Across North Lakes, many mums will be celebrated this Mother’s Day, but for Caitlyn Pyatt, the day carries a deeper meaning shaped by resilience. It’s not about grand gestures, but small victories — a pain-free afternoon, a successful recovery, a moment where her 8-year-old son, Jack, can simply keep up with his friends.
A different kind of motherhood
Motherhood, for Caitlyn, has always come with an added layer of uncertainty.
Little Jack Pyatt was born with a small growth on his shoulder blade.
At two years old, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic bone condition, known as Multiple Hereditary Exostoses, requiring regular surgeries throughout his childhood.
The disorder causes benign cartilage-capped bone tumours to grow from bone surfaces primarily near growth plates, leading to pain, deformities, limited joint motion and a slight risk of turning into a slow-growing bone cancer.
Between home and hospital
Jack has been admitted to hospital nearly every second year to remove or reduce the bone growths that affect his movement, all performed by paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sarah Murgatroyd at Redcliffe Hospital.
Each procedure is delicate, each recovery uncertain.
“When the tumours grow, they cause pain and reduced mobility.”
“The surgeries involve using specialised tools to remove additional bone growth, requiring precision as surgeons work with smaller ligaments, muscles, nerves and arteries in a confined space.”
In some cases, the bone can be easily removed from its position, while in others, it must be shaved down, she explained.
“Throughout these procedures, the surgical team remains mindful that they are working on a child – the ligaments, muscles, nerves, and arteries are significantly smaller than those of an adult, the workspace is much more confined and requires extreme precision,” she explains.
“The most difficult moments are when Jack goes under anaesthesia and wakes up disoriented and in pain during recovery – it’s more than I can handle as a mother,” Caitlyn says.
Without the surgeries, Jack would not be able to walk properly and his fine motor skills would be impaired, she said.
“The hardest part is seeing him struggle with basic tasks like writing or running. It’s heartbreaking when he gets frustrated because he can’t keep up with his peers,” Caitlyn says.
“It truly teaches you never to take simple things like movement, sight and hearing for granted,” she added.
Holding onto normal
Back in North Lakes, Caitlyn works hard to keep life feeling as normal as possible. School drop-offs, homework, sibling dynamics — all continue alongside hospital appointments and recovery periods.
Caitlyn is a property manager at Ray White North Lakes. She has managed the demands of her career while ensuring Jack receives the medical care he needs.
Her family includes husband Ashley, stepchildren Nathan (14) and Mahalia (13), and daughter Dakota (9). Nathan also has the genetic condition and has undergone several surgeries, including a fixator on his arm.
“I feel very fortunate to have my husband and such a strong support network so that I never have to face those moments, or any of this journey, alone.”
Despite the challenges, Caitlyn avoids wrapping her children in cotton wool.
“We don’t overprotect him,” she says. “Jack sets his own limits.”
It’s an admirable philosophy — one that gives her children space to grow, even within constraints.
The balancing act
Like many mums, Caitlyn juggles work at Ray White North Lakes and family — but with added unpredictability.
Working in property management, she relies on clear and transparent communication when Jack is in hospital, letting clients know when family needs come first.
When Jack is in hospital, she keeps clients informed about her availability.
“I’m upfront with clients if I have appointments scheduled when Jack is in hospital,” she says. “They understand that if I’m not responding as quickly as usual, there’s a personal matter requiring my attention.”
Still, it requires constant adjustment, and it’s a mental load familiar to many mothers, intensified by medical uncertainty.
Mother’s Day is in the everyday things
For Caitlyn, Mother’s Day isn’t defined by flowers or cards. It’s found in the everyday things. It’s in resilience, patience, and the ability to keep going through the hardest moments.
“It truly teaches you never to take simple things like movement, sight and hearing for granted.”
This year, like every year, she’ll likely spend it the same way she spends most days — showing up, supporting her children, and finding strength in the small wins.
Many mothers will recognise that kind of love.
Published 5-May-2026
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