The family of a toddler diagnosed with a rare brain cancer has been forced to vacate their home in Frankston, Melbourne, after toxic mould was discovered in their residence. One-year-old Audrey Scott, who recently returned home from Monash Children’s Hospital following extensive treatment, was readmitted due to life-threatening sepsis linked to bacteria that thrived in the hazardous environment.
Upon returning home, Audrey’s health deteriorated rapidly, prompting her family to seek immediate medical attention. Testing conducted after her hospital visit revealed that moisture levels in their home were an alarming 29 times higher than recommended safety standards. The findings indicated a significant risk not only to Audrey, who is immunocompromised, but also to other inhabitants.
Maddy Scott, Audrey’s mother, expressed her distress, stating that the report deemed their home unsafe for both healthy and vulnerable individuals: “The readings were almost double what would be allowed for Audrey.” Despite the absence of visible mould, the elevated moisture levels facilitated the growth of up to seven different mould species, some of which are known to produce harmful mycotoxins.
The consequences of this toxic environment have been severe for Audrey. Since her initial diagnosis, she has undergone 14 surgeries and six rounds of chemotherapy. Following the recent infection, she has been treated with nearly 70 doses of antibiotics and is expected to resume chemotherapy shortly. The family has been advised to vacate their home immediately and replace all soft furnishings, including mattresses, couches, children’s books, and soft toys.
Finding a new rental has proven to be a significant challenge for Maddy and her husband, Sam Tunks. Both parents have ceased working to care for Audrey and her three-year-old brother, Elliot, leaving them without the necessary payslips to secure a new rental in a competitive housing market. “If I’m honest we are all wrecked,” Maddy said. “All we desperately wanted is time together at home, as a family, to find a rhythm again.”
The situation has escalated to a critical point as Audrey prepares to begin her next round of chemotherapy without a stable home. Maddy described the discovery of the mould as an additional blow to a family already facing immense 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 campaign has been launched to assist the family in securing safe accommodation. The fundraising page emphasizes the family’s need for a home that would not further complicate Audrey’s health struggles: “Maddy and Sam simply want a place that doesn’t make Audrey’s fight any harder than it already is. After all this family has already been through, they deserve a safe home, somewhere they can all be together and make beautiful memories.”
As the family grapples with these challenges, the local community and beyond have shown support, illustrating the resilience and compassion that often emerge in times of crisis.
