In Memory of Christina Meath

In memory of Christina Maria Meath

20 January 1954 - 19 August 2021

- Wife to Jim

- Loving sister

- Mother to Katrina, Wilhelmina, James and Christian

- Mother-in-law to Mason, Paul and Lauren

- Oma to Aleshia, Samara, Andrew and Isabelle

- Aunty, great-aunty and great-great-aunty to so many!

In lieu of flowers for Chrissy's funeral, we ask that loved ones make a donation in her name to the Flicker of Hope Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to funding much-needed research into Neurofibromatosis (NF). You can donate by clicking the 'Donate' button on this page.

Our family has set up this page to raise funds for some much-needed research for Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the genetic condition that claimed the life of our wonderful mum, Chrissy. Knowledge of NF is incredibly limited – research is needed to learn more about the condition and explore effective treatment options. At this point in time, there is no cure.

NF causes tumours to grow on nerve endings throughout the body. It can affect major organs and lead to a variety of serious and debilitating health issues including cafe au lait spots, blindness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, chronic pain, amputation, cancer, epilepsy, learning difficulties and autism.

Chrissy lived with NF1 and its symptoms for most of her life. The most recent complications she experienced stemmed from an NF tumour growing on a nerve in her pelvis. This tumour grew to 15cm in diameter, pushing up against her bladder, making it impossible for her to urinate on her own. Surgery was performed to remove as much of the tumour as possible. Assessment of the tumour revealed that it was, in fact, malignant and treatment would be required. Chrissy agreed with the professionals to wait a couple of months and monitor the cancer in order to determine which type of treatment she would take. Unfortunately, the cancer had other ideas, and spread faster than any of us could have anticipated. A mere six weeks after being told her tumour was cancerous, Chrissy was given days to live, and placed in palliative care at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, Victoria. In her final days, she was surrounded by so much love and family and passed away peacefully after her short and brutal battle.

She wasn't ready to leave, and we didn't want her to go. We are devastated to lose her and can only hope that we can eventually find a cure for NF.

Sleep peacefully, Mum. You're out of pain. We love you forever.