PICU, ICU teams rally around Chelsea

Nurses, doctors, and support service staff from across Townsville’s paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and intensive care unit (ICU) have worn beanies to show their support for a colleague who is battling an aggressive brain cancer.

Registered nurse Chelsea Smith was diagnosed with a high-grade glioma last year during her graduate year at Townsville University Hospital.

Despite the diagnosis, the 22-year-old said she wanted to continue working in the PICU to help those patients who were ‘doing it tougher’ than she was.

“I get to come to work and care for some really vulnerable patients, while also working alongside some of my best friends,” Ms Smith said.

“Coming into work and doing my job has helped to keep me grounded.

“It gives me a sense of fulfilment and keeps me from dwelling on my own situation.”

The PICU and ICU staff wore the winter headgear ahead of the NRL’s Beanie for Brain Cancer round, where Ms Smith was invited to toss the coin ahead of the Cowboys vs. Panthers game in Townsville.

PICU nurse unit manager Michelle Clark said Ms Smith had a larger-than-life presence on the unit.

“She is bubbly, courageous, and determined, and everyone can’t help but smile when they’re around her,” Ms Clark said.

“She lights up a room, and we wanted to show her how much we support her and how much we care for her.”

After completing 33 rounds of radiation, Ms Smith is currently being managed with oral chemotherapy and surveillance imaging.

Ms Smith said she will probably never be able to get rid of the cancer, but she was happy living with it.

“As long as it’s chilling and not impacting my life too much, then I am ok with it,” she said.

“This diagnosis has taught me that no one is guaranteed tomorrow, so that’s why I am trying to live today and live in the now”

“I have been given this gift knowing that my life on this earth isn’t as long as I thought it would be, so I will take those opportunities to go have coffee with my friends, or I will go take that trip to Bali and get the Bali belly or say yes to something crazy because it’s worth it in the end.”