At 11, Pollymay Berry has faced more challenges than many people are confronted with in a lifetime.

But, she’s still fighting, still smiling and, hopefully, coming out the other side of her heartbreaking health battle.

In September, the Gowrie Street Primary School Year 5 student underwent a bone marrow transplant, after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in April.

The first round bone marrow results were good, showing no presence of leukaemia or evidence of gene mutation.

Her donor cells are sitting at 99.4 per cent, meaning the vast majority of her circulating blood and immune system is being successfully manufactured by the donor’s stem cells.

A range between 95 and 100 per cent usually indicates a sign of successful engraftment.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Pollymay since her surgery.

“She developed severe mucositis in her mouth and throat and was completely unable to eat or swallow for about four weeks,” mum Janie Mudford said.

After months in hospital, Pollymay was discharged to a city apartment with her mum last week — while her brothers remain separated from them back in Shepparton, with their dad — but had to rush back to emergency the very next day.

“She vomited up the nasal gastric tube, so had to have a new one put in, then ... she couldn’t stop vomiting, so had to come to ED again,” Janie said.

“We have since been admitted back ... and looks like she may have an infection.

“We still face months ahead here in Melbourne.”

Janie was forced to stop running her business when Pollymay was transferred to hospital in Melbourne, losing her income and the family’s rental home.

The bills haven’t stopped and the cost of accommodation, food, travel, medication and other unexpected medical expenses in Melbourne have continued to pile up over the past six months.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has garnered around $16,000 of financial support for the family so far, and now a local group is hoping to boost funds further with an upcoming community fundraiser, the Pollymay Family Day.

Through the We Listen community organisation, which supports individuals, families and communities affected by suicide loss, mental health challenges and emotional distress, local Steve Neff has organised a mental health walk and family fun day.

“I have never met him, but he knows my partner,” Janie said.

“I’m so grateful to Steve for wanting to include Pollymay and I in the day and donating all raised funds to the GoFundMe.

“Melbourne is one hell of an expensive place to have to be in.”

The Pollymay Family Day will be held on Sunday, November 22.

A mental health walk will begin at noon in Mooroopna, at Ferrari Park, with attendees making their way to Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton, where there will be food vans and entertainment, including face painting and an auction, until 4pm.

“We Listen Mental Health Walk is providing support to a local Mooroopna family who are currently experiencing an extraordinarily difficult and heartbreaking situation,” Steve said.

“We Listen would like them to know they do not have to face it alone.

“With your help, we can show this family that their community cares and is standing beside them.”

The group is still accepting applications from stall holders for the November 22 event.

To donate directly to Pollymay’s family, visit the GoFundMe page or donate via the We Listen fundraising page.

Find more details about the Pollymay Family Day on the Facebook event page.

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Thursday, 20th August 2026

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