A nine-year-old girl from Petrie Terrace has turned her own battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer into a mission to bring joy to other young patients at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, raising funds to fill its prize trolley with toys, books and crafts for children undergoing treatment.
The fundraiser launched on 30 July 2025, as Myah McGuigan prepared for her final round of chemotherapy.
From Diagnosis to Determination
Myah’s health concerns began earlier this year when her parents noticed she had lost her appetite and was feeling unwell. A visit to the family GP led to an urgent ultrasound, which revealed a tumour measuring about 15 centimetres by 8 centimetres in her abdomen. She was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumour, a condition specialists describe as extremely rare in children her age.
Within a week of diagnosis, Myah began chemotherapy at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. The treatment quickly reduced the tumour’s size, allowing her to undergo surgery to remove it along with one ovary. Her family said discussions with fertility specialists are ongoing to understand her options for having children in the future.
Her father said it had been every parent’s worst nightmare but was struck by how his daughter approached each challenge. He explained that if Myah was told something would take a week, she would try to complete it in just a few days, showing determination far beyond her years.
A Lemonade Stall for Smiles
Even while undergoing treatment, Myah decided she wanted to help others. Inspired by the prize trolley at the hospital — stocked with donated toys that lifted her spirits after difficult treatments — she set up a lemonade stall with help from her friends and younger brother.
She told her family she chose lemonade because it would appeal to both sweet and sour taste preferences, ensuring “no one would miss out.” The funds raised will go directly towards purchasing toys, crafts and books for the hospital’s oncology ward, with any surplus items donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Community Support and Next Steps
The Petrie Terrace community has rallied behind Myah, with neighbours, friends and schoolmates offering donations and spreading the word. Her family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and acknowledged the hospital’s medical staff for their care.
Myah is preparing for her final chemotherapy session before moving to a monitoring phase. Her fundraising continues, with donations accepted through her GoFundMe page to help fill the prize trolley for as many children as possible.
Published 11-Aug-2025
