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Perth family of Amelia ‘Milli’ Lucas ‘blown away’ by determination of cancer fighter after latest surgery

Phil HickeyThe West Australian
Milli Lucas with mum Monica Smirk.
Camera IconMilli Lucas with mum Monica Smirk. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

The Perth family of brave cancer fighter Amelia “Milli” Lucas say they are “blown away by her determination and will” following her most recent round of brain surgery by high-profile Sydney surgeon Dr Charlie Teo.

The 13-year-old with the dazzling smile has captured the hearts of West Australians in her battle against terminal brain cancer.

She has managed to defy the odds time and time again, so much so she has been dubbed Perth’s “miracle girl”.

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But after a third round of surgery by Dr Teo in September to remove a recurring brain tumour, the decision was made to fly Milli home back to WA last month.

A delicate mercy flight mission was arranged for the stoic teenager so she could spend precious time with family and undergo further treatment at the Perth Children’s Hospital.

Milli Lucas is unloaded from a Royal Flying Doctor plane at Jandakot airport after arriving home from Sydney.
Camera IconMilli Lucas is unloaded from a Royal Flying Doctor plane at Jandakot airport after arriving home from Sydney. Credit: Trevor Collens/The West Australian

In a Facebook post on Thursday Milli’s mum Monica Smirk said her daughter was “scooting herself around” in her wheelchair, writing notes and eating.

“Milli is feeling very independent lately and doing everything on her own now... we are blown away by her determination and will,” Ms Smirk said.

“When Milli arrived home, we never thought we would see her like this again, her normal self but speech is different and harder.

“She was unable to even lift her head and knocked on heaven’s door a few times in Sydney.”

Milli Lucas.
Camera IconMilli Lucas. Credit: Team Millstar/facebook/supplied

Initially, Milli’s family was told no doctor would perform the dangerous brain surgery she needed.

Milli was put into palliative care in April last year and given only weeks to live after more than two years of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, cyber treatment and surgery at Perth Children’s Hospital failed to beat the fast-growing tumour.

The gamble they took by turning to Dr Teo has given Milli and her family precious time together.

Despite the lows, Milli’s story has brought out the best in people, including complete strangers.

The West Australian and Today Tonight campaigned to help Milli’s family raise the $50,000 needed for the surgery last year.

Dr Charlie Teo and Milli Lucas.
Camera IconDr Charlie Teo and Milli Lucas. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The Sunday Times

In the end, generous donors raised more than $170,000 in the crowdfunding campaign.

Last year, soon after her initial surgery, Milli was the Fremantle Dockers’ special mascot for a game.

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