Diabetes sufferers McKayla Bliesner and Matilda Bellamy take part in workshop with Umbrella Studios to create art for new clinic

Two brave youngsters battling Type 1 diabetes are set to see their own artworks brighten the walls of Townsville University Hospital’s new diabetic clinic after taking part in a printmaking workshop.

Matilda Bellamy, 10, and McKayla Bliesner, eight, at Umbrella Studios.

Creating art to display in the Townsville University Hospital’s new diabetic clinic, two young patients living with the disease will have their works hung on the walls after taking part in a printmaking workshop at Umbrella Studios.

The new $6.6 million outpatient clinic will be a shared space for children and adults.

Eight-year-old McKayla Bliesner and 10-year-old Matilda Bellamy both have Type 1 diabetes.

Matilda, who attends Annandale State School, was only diagnosed with diabetes five weeks ago.

Her mother, Melissa Crowe, said it was a huge shock for the family, who had no family history of diabetes.

“I know now that’s not unusual,” she said.

Experiencing symptoms of fatigue, excessive thirst, weight loss and ‘funny’ breath, Ms Crowe said her husband went out and bought a glucose monitor.

Matilda Bellamy, 10, and McKayla Bliesner, eight, at Umbrella Studios.

“Her reading was 31.5. We rang 13 HEALTH, and they called an ambulance,” she said.

Matilda said she was still getting used to her diagnosis but was getting used to it and is learning how to manage it.

She said she “really enjoyed” the art workshop.

“I used different elements and watercolours to make my print of a boat floating on the waves,” she said.

McKayla’s mum, Renee Bliesner, said her daughter was diagnosed five years ago, meaning lots of trips to the hospital for the family.

“Diabetes is for life so if you have to go to hospital you want me to be comfortable, the previous space was unfortunately a small area,” she said.

“The news space will be amazing, lighter, brighter and with art created by the kids it will change the whole experience.”

McKayla, who is a Year 3 student at St Benedict’s, said the printmaking workshop was “so much fun”.

“We got to paint, use different patterns and watercolours, and it’s really cool that our art will be on the walls at the hospital,” she said.

Endocrine nurse Angela Hubert also took part in the art workshop along with nursing, dietetics and administration staff.

“We all loved being here with McKayla and Matilda, creating something beautiful for our unit, which we all share,” she said.

Paediatric endocrinologist Dr Jason Yates said he was delighted to see the girls involved in creating art for the new unit.

Before World Diabetes Day next week, Dr Yates said parents should be aware of the 4Ts – thirst, toilet, tired, and thinner.

“If your child is urinating excessively, constantly thirsty, tired, and losing weight, make an urgent appointment with your GP,” he said.

Originally published as Diabetes sufferers McKayla Bliesner and Matilda Bellamy take part in workshop with Umbrella Studios to create art for new clinic