Caitlyn’s courage saluted with medal
ELEVEN-year-old Warwick cancer survivor Caitlyn "CJ" Meiklejohn has received the recognition she deserves in being named the Queensland winner for the Pride of Australia Child of Courage Medal.
Her family travelled to Brisbane for the ceremony yesterday, and her father Neil said Caitlyn probably found the whole thing overwhelming. However, he described CJ's nomination as "just amazing".
"When we left the awards ceremony, we went and spoke to the Camp Quality office to share the great news with them," Mr Meiklejohn said.
"Someone from Camp Quality nominated Caitlyn, and they've been side-by-side with us on her journey."
"She doesn't consider herself in many respects as different, and doesn't think she did anything special," Mr Meiklejohn said.
"In her own way Caitlyn has become part of that group of people that will inspire others. She wants to give hope to other kids and let them know they can get through it as well."
Caitlyn will now go on to the national Child of Courage ceremony, held in Sydney in November.
"It was just an amazing day with so many inspiring people," Mr Meiklejohn said.
"By the look of her face, I don't think Caitlyn believed she was going to win. The expression on her face when she won said as much."
