Patricia Litjens’ courage in face of devastating diagnosis

An act of kindness from a complete stranger has been a ray of light in the grim battle facing a courageous and generous country Queenslander.

A well known Blackbutt fundraising legend is battling a shocking cancer diagnosis, as doctors tell her she has only months to live.

A beloved and tireless worker for the South Burnett has been given months to live following a devastating stage 4 cancer diagnosis.

Trisha Litjens, often described by the Blackbutt community as a “giver”, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in June 2023, after a fall landed her in hospital.

The 65-year-old said her sense of “helplessness and loss” was immeasurable.

She has been offered life extending radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which she will undergo this week at North Lakes Day Hospital on the outskirts of Brisbane.

The North Lakes Hotel has kindly gifted Mrs Litjens accommodation this week after being made aware of the arduous, three-hour return journey she must make daily to receive her treatment.

Hotel General Manager Jeremy Kreft said he was delighted to be able to assist Mrs Litjens.

Mrs Litjens relocated from Rylstone in New South Wales in 2014 and has been a tireless and generous contributor to the community.

“I have always enjoyed helping people,” she said on Monday.

Close friend Jeff Connor has organised a GoFundMe page on behalf of Mrs Litjens, pleading with the community to help her through this challenging time.

Legends: The North Lakes Hotel has kindly gifted South Burnett community stalwart Trisha Litjens accommodation this week to ease the arduous burnen of a daily three-hour return trip for life extending treatment. Photo: The North Lakes Hotel.

“If there is a worthy cause or someone in trouble, then behind the scenes somewhere you will find Trish Litjens,” Mr Connor said.

“From catering for the canteen at Blackbutt Avofest, running the local Twilight Markets, to organising a fundraiser for the local schools or helping out a neighbour, Trish is always busy with one community project or another.

“She has had more than her fair share of life’s hard knocks and health problems, and has always met these challenges head on.

“No amount of planning can prepare any person for this level of news so this is her ultimate challenge,” he said.

Mrs Litjens needs $4000 to finance her first round of treatment, which will make her remaining months more comfortable and improve her quality of life.

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Mr Connor said Mrs Litjens was a proud and self-sufficient individual who found it hard to accept the level of help she gives to others in their time of need.

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Donations have already started flooding in as the community bands together to support her.

“The challenge has been set for the South Burnett to rally together,” Mr Connor said.

Mrs Litjens will host a living wake in August at the Les Miller Park, Blackbutt to celebrate her life and share an afternoon with her community.

Mr Connor said Mrs Litjens was now in a calm and accepting space, but was going to fight.

“She knows she won't win, but she isn’t just going to roll over,” he said.

Originally published as Patricia Litjens’ courage in face of devastating diagnosis