Optus Stadium is usually a sea of purple as Freo followers cheer on the Dockers.
However in the present day it can turn into a sea of turquoise-green — the favorite color of Perth schoolgirl Amelia “Milli” Lucas — as family members and members of the general public collect for the beloved teenager’s funeral.
Milli died on Monday, January 4. Throughout her four-year wrestle with most cancers, she captured the hearts of hundreds of West Australians along with her bravery, spirit and unrelenting optimism within the face of inauspicious odds.
As we speak, the 14-year-old’s mother and father will say goodbye to their cherished daughter on the very place the place she had the “greatest day of her life” when she tossed the coin earlier than a 2019 Fremantle-Port Adelaide conflict.
They’ve invited each West Australian to return and pay their respects, asking solely that attendees put on one thing turquoise-blue in honour of their brave daughter.
“(Milli’s father) Grant Lucas and I’ve determined to have a public service due to all the gorgeous assist and love she had,” Milli’s mum Monica Smirk wrote on Fb final week.
“The Fremantle Dockers have helped us put together and we’ve booked Optus Stadium.
“Let’s all make this a particular ship off for our shining, smiling Angel.”
Milli was simply 9 when she was identified with an aggressive mind tumour in 2016, a grade VI glioblastoma.
When her tumour was deemed inoperable in 2019, Milli’s household raised $170,000 for surgical procedure to be carried out by famend Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo.
The surgical procedure efficiently eliminated 98 per cent of the tumour — however in March final yr, the teenager’s household obtained the devastating information her most cancers had returned.
She fought on, however the most cancers progressed, regardless of Milli flying to Sydney for additional therapy. She was in the end returned to Perth on a mercy flight with the Royal Flying Physician Service after an nameless donor paid for the non-public 10-hour spherical journey.
Her loss of life final week was met by an outpouring of grief.
A submit by Milli’s mom — describing her “angel” as “flying excessive” — obtained greater than 700 feedback inside an hour, all providing their condolences and tributes to the inspirational teen.
Dr Teo who gave her valuable further time along with her household, described her as a “stunning soul”.
“Milli’s legacy is easy however enlightening,” he stated. “When confronted with adversity, you may be indignant, resentful, bitter and consumed or you’ll be able to settle for the hand that you simply’ve been dealt and take advantage of what you may have.
“Milli was an distinctive instance of find out how to take advantage of one’s life. She was dignified, brave, comfortable, thoughtful, decided; a wonderful soul.”The Dockers — the membership that meant a lot to the teenager — additionally reached out.
“Black armbands for Milli in the present day,” Nat Fyfe, Milli’s hero, posted on Instagram final week. “She captured our hearts along with her braveness. Relaxation in peace, Mill.”
The membership launched an announcement saying it was “deeply saddened” by her passing. “It was at an additional particular recreation day when Fremantle performed Port Adelaide in 2019 at Optus Stadium the place Milli stole the hearts of Freo followers endlessly,” it stated.
“Milli’s smile that day will likely be etched in our minds, at all times.”
Between 1000 and 1500 persons are anticipated to attend in the present day’s funeral, a testomony to Milli’s impression on so many individuals.
Amongst mourners will likely be representatives of the Dockers — Fremantle president Dale Alcock will converse and additionally it is anticipated Fyfe will likely be there.
The funeral is open to everybody who needs to attend, and gates will open at Optus Stadium at 10.30am for an 11am service. Attendees can enter by means of gates C and D and will likely be seated on stage one.
The household won’t be accepting flowers, however can have donations containers for the Kyle Andrews Basis, Charlie Teo Basis and Workforce Fred.
