Pippa was an energetic, bubbly three-year-old before she was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Her mum Melissa, from Southwest Victoria, was in complete shock – she had assumed her sudden lethargy would be solved with an iron transfusion.
From the moment of diagnosis, overwhelming treatments followed – countless surgeries, lumbar punctures, finger pricks, blood transfusions, chemotherapy and steroids. For five challenging years, Pippa needed to be near the hospital, and the family needed to be near Pippa. That’s when they found us.
Melissa describes us as “exactly what you need when your life is turned upside down”. Pippa, ever-resilient and still full of enthusiasm, threw herself into the activities of our North Fitzroy House.
Pippa adored “when groups would come into the House and do arts and crafts, or when they would cook meals for the families”. She formed a strong bond with our wonderful staff, Kylie and Donna, and would help them in their offices and around the House.
“We became part of the furniture – it was quite literally our home away from home.”
Melissa connected with other families along the way too, forming lasting friendships. Even during Covid-19, when Pippa was in the thick of treatment and they couldn’t see visitors, the family still found moments of joy – like a memorable Easter egg hunt at the House. “Among the dark times, there were some good times too.”
“It’s a place that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We still talk about our time at the House and the people we met along the way. We do miss Kylie and Donna!”
As of 2026, Pippa was declared cancer-free. The family remains stronger together, and have finally returned home. We couldn’t be happier for them.
