The family of a toddler in Melbourne, who is undergoing treatment for a rare brain cancer, has been compelled to leave their home after dangerous mould was discovered inside. One-year-old Audrey Scott had just returned from Monash Children’s Hospital following extensive treatment when she was rushed back due to life-threatening sepsis, a severe infection caused by undetected bacteria. Testing revealed that moisture levels in their Frankston home were almost 30 times higher than safe limits.
Audrey’s mother, Maddy Scott, expressed her dismay, stating that the moisture readings were “almost double what would be allowed for Audrey.” The report indicated that their residence posed significant health risks, not only to vulnerable individuals like Audrey but also to healthy occupants. Although visible mould was not found, the elevated moisture levels created conditions suitable for the growth of up to seven mould species, some of which are known to produce harmful mycotoxins.
“Because Audrey is immunocompromised, the bacteria in our home led to a severe infection that quickly turned into life-threatening sepsis and a septic shower,” Scott explained. The young girl has already undergone 14 surgeries and six rounds of chemotherapy, receiving nearly 70 doses of antibiotics in her fight against cancer. She is expected to start another round of chemotherapy next week.
The family has been instructed to vacate their home immediately and replace all soft furnishings, including mattresses, couches, children’s books, and soft toys, to ensure a safe environment for Audrey. However, finding a new rental has proven challenging. Both Maddy Scott and her husband, Sam Tunks, have halted their work to care for Audrey and their three-year-old son, Elliot, which has left them without payslips in a competitive rental market.
“If I’m honest, we are all wrecked,” Scott admitted. “All we desperately wanted is time together at home, as a family, to find a rhythm again. So it just feels insane that Audrey starts chemo again next week and we don’t currently have anywhere to call home.”
The discovery of mould has added to their already overwhelming challenges. “This detour feels hard on us all. We were so desperately craving some slow mornings, a bit of routine, time together at home, and a small return to normal.”
In response to their predicament, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family in securing safe accommodation. The fundraising page emphasizes their desire for a living space that will not complicate Audrey’s ongoing battle against cancer. “Maddy and Sam simply want a place that doesn’t make Audrey’s fight any harder than it already is,” the page states. “After all this family has already been through, they deserve a safe home, somewhere they can all be together and make beautiful memories.”
