Little Kalani Ebbs showed incredible courage as she battled brain cancer, even as she endured one of the most intensive treatment regimens ever delivered to an Australian child.
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At her funeral on Friday it was clear where she got her strength from.
It was evident in her mother, Charlene, as she spoke beautifully about her youngest child, taken too soon at just two years old.
Kalani always inspired people fighting their own personal battles, and always to do so with a smile on their face because she never gave up.
In her father, Justin, who helped carry the tiny white coffin holding his beloved daughter.
And in her siblings – sister Khaleesi and brother Kallan – who proudly took part in the celebration of Kalani’s life.
Hundreds joined in the celebration, held at midday at St John’s Catholic Church in Dapto, to farewell a little girl who inspired many.
Many wore purple in support of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Others wore their i98FM Illawarra Convoy T-shirts – an event that helped Kalani and so many others.
“Kalani gave so many people, including our family, meaning and purpose – that was her destiny and her legacy and we will make sure everyone remembers her name,” Mrs Ebbs told those gathered.
“She missed out on so many things, such as walking and feeling the sand between her toes …. growing long beautiful hair and being able to tell us how much she loved us.
“... Kalani always inspired people fighting their own personal battles, and always to do so with a smile on their face because she never gave up.”
Kalani was just six months old when she was diagnosed with an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour (ATRT) on her cerebellum and brain stem.
A gruelling 51 weeks of chemotherapy – which left her with a range of physical and learning disabilities – was her best chance of beating the rare and aggressive cancer.
However, in October her parents were given the devastating news that tumours on Kalani’s spine and brain stem had returned.
“Our hearts shattered into one million pieces,” Mrs Ebbs said. “Our little miracle baby was fighting an impossible fight.”
Kalani passed peacefully, her mother asleep by her side on December 12 – Mrs Ebbs’ birthday.
“Kalani never had a proper childhood,” Mrs Ebbs said.
“No child should have to spend a single day in hospital, but it never stopped Kalani being one of the happiest children we knew.
“… We will continue with all our might to find a cure in your name.”
Outside the church, a Convoy truck loomed large with a banner bearing Kalani’s name, as purple balloons were released into the air and loved ones honoured a little girl with a big heart.