Placeholder Content Image

Mother of Charlie Teo's "miracle girl" shares more tragic news

<p>In the face of immense tragedy and loss, Monica Smirk, the mother of 14-year-old Amelia "Milli" Lucas, has opened up about more devastating news that has befallen her family.</p> <p>Amelia, fondly known as Milli, passed away a month after celebrating her 14th birthday on January 4, 2021, following a courageous battle against a rare and terminal genetic cancer.</p> <p>Diagnosed with a Grade VI Glioblastoma at the tender age of nine, Milli was given a mere 12 weeks to live. However, with the help of controversial neurosurgeon <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/dr-charlie-teo-breaks-his-silence-with-post-about-his-miracle-girl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charlie Teo</a>, she defied the odds, surviving another remarkable five years after undergoing two surgeries.</p> <p>Now, Monica, her resilient mother, has revealed that she is facing her own battle with terminal cancer. Inoperable tumours on her back have cast a shadow of uncertainty, leaving her and her family grappling with fear and hope.</p> <p>The Smirk family has encountered the devastating impact of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare gene disposition that has tragically claimed the lives of Monica's mother, brother, daughter, niece, and nephew. This syndrome, affecting fewer than 1,000 individuals worldwide, greatly increases the risk of various cancers throughout one's life.</p> <p>Recalling the emotional turmoil, Monica shared that she first discovered the lumps on her back while caring for Milli in 2021, but the overwhelming emotions held her back from seeking an immediate biopsy. As her health situation progressed, treatment was halted after fluid was found in her lungs. Nevertheless, she holds on to the possibility of further treatment options pending additional scans later this year.</p> <p>In another heart-wrenching update, Monica also revealed that her 19-year-old daughter Tess is awaiting the results of a concerning annual scan. Tess, who also battles Li-Fraumeni syndrome, faced her own hardships when diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, resulting in legal blindness. Despite the challenges, she courageously pursues her dream of becoming a professional dancer.</p> <p>As the Smirk family grapples with these overwhelming health challenges, their community has come together, rallying behind them with love and support.</p> <p>The Millstar Foundation, an initiative started by the family to honour their beloved "angel" Milli, aims to provide alternative therapies for patients in Western Australia. Their efforts have been met with an outpouring of generosity, as they have collected more than $13,000 worth of prizes for a raffle, supporting Monica in her fight for life.</p> <p>Milli's journey with Dr Teo, who she affectionately referred to as her "miracle worker," brought both hope and controversy. Though he successfully removed 98 percent of a brain tumour considered inoperable and incurable by other surgeons in 2019, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/dr-charlie-teo-speaks-out-after-guilty-finding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent incidents have led to reprimands</a> by the NSW Medical Board.</p> <p>While the circumstances are undoubtedly heartbreaking, Monica expressed her gratitude for the extra years Dr Teo provided Milli, acknowledging the precious time and memories they had together.</p> <p>Amidst the pain, Monica also spoke out about her concern for other patients who may no longer have access to potentially lifesaving surgeries due to restrictions imposed on Dr Teo. She hopes that future research and medical advancements will continue to shine a light of hope for those facing similar battles.</p> <p>In the face of unimaginable adversity, the Smirk family finds solace in the unwavering support and love of their community. For those who wish to contribute to the raffle and extend a helping hand to the Smirk family, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2378778672391405/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Millstar Foundation Incorporated Facebook group</a> provides an opportunity to make a difference and be a source of hope in their challenging journey.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Charlie Teo's "miracle girl" dies at 14

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Milli Lucas has died at the young age of 14 after a battle against terminal cancer.</p> <p>Lucas made headlines after being dubbed the "miracle girl" operated on by controversial neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo.</p> <p>Her mother, Monica Smirk, said that the teenager wanted to reach her 14th birthday before passing away.</p> <p>“Our hearts are broken, our angel is now flying high and the world will never be the same,’ Monica Smirk wrote.</p> <p>“Baby girl, you were the full package, smart, funny, athletic, beautiful and could sing like an angel.</p> <p>“That’s why they took you early you had all lessons completed.”</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839333/milli-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/fdd8c22f1066412a8015273e81f7af6e" /></p> <p>Lucas was diagnosed with a Grade VI Glioblasomaat at the age of nine and was initially given just 12 weeks to live.</p> <p>After undergoing experimental surgery with Teo and earning her nickname, 98 per cent of the tumour was removed from her brain and she was given more time.</p> <p>After the successful surgery in 2019, there was more heartbreak for the family as it was revealed in early 2020 that she'd been diagnosed with cancer for the third time.</p> <p>She flew to Sydney to Dr Teo so he could perform an intensive eight-hour surgery that doctors in Western Australia refused to do as it was too dangerous.</p> <p>In December, her mother said that she knows "the sadness that is coming".</p> <p>“So hard to be happy, for both of us we tried and made sure she had an awesome day,” Ms Smirk said.</p> <p>Milli “swam and watched movies” with all those who had supported her for the last five years.</p> <p>“Milli was spoiled rotten and there are so many incredible people out there that care and support her we are very humble.”</p> <p><em>Photo credits: Facebook</em></p> </div> </div> </div>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Dr Charlie Teo's “Miracle girl” Milli celebrates special milestone after third cancer diagnosis

<p>A teenager who has been living with terminal cancer since age nine celebrated her 14th birthday while her mother said “we know the sadness that is coming”.</p> <p>Amelia “Milli” Lucas, who was diagnosed with Grade VI Glioblastomaat at age nine and was given 12 weeks to live, was given the title of “miracle girl” after she underwent an experimental surgery with renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo.</p> <p>Surrounded by friends and family, Milli celebrated the milestone which her mum said she and her husband wanted to see her reach “so badly”.</p> <p>“I remember lying in bed with Grant when Milli was first diagnosed and said to him if we can get our girl to 14 then that would be an amazing feat,” she wrote on Facebook on Monday.</p> <p>Dr Teo operated on Milli and managed to leave her 98 per cent cancer free.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:317.4946004319654px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839173/screen-shot-2020-12-10-at-25003-pm.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3277a400bc4b4a5dbea6d566a9ac53f7" /></p> <p>However, in May of 2019, Milli was unfortunately once again diagnosed with cancer. And earlier this year the teenager’s family revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer a third time and would again undergo brain surgery.</p> <p>“With the help of Charlie Teo and obviously our protocols and decisions in regards to Milli's treatment we saw this day,” mum Monica Smirk wrote.</p> <p>“We should have been so ecstatic and happy that we got her here, but in the back of our minds, we know the sadness that is coming.</p> <p>“So hard to be happy, for both of us we tried and made sure she had an awesome day.</p> <p>The teen “swam and watched movies” with friends and family who have supported her over the years.</p> <p>“Milli was spoiled rotten and there are so many incredible people out there that care and support her we are very humble.”</p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

“Miracle girl” Milli Lucas contracts cancer for third time

<p>A patient of neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo dubbed the “miracle girl” has had to undergo another lifesaving surgery after her cancer returned.</p> <p>The family of Amelia “Milli” Lucas have revealed the young girl has been diagnosed with cancer for a third time and is now in hospital undergoing risky brain surgery.</p> <p>The first time Milly battled terminal cancer was when she was nine years old and was expected to live for only 12 weeks.</p> <p>After experimental surgery, 98 per cent of her cancer was removed.</p> <p>She has now been alive and healthy for years since her original diagnosis, causing her recovery to be dubbed a miracle.</p> <p>But now, her concerned parents revealed the tragic news yesterday, that her third diagnosis has led to more treatment.</p> <p>Milli underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy when she first diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumour, a Grade VI Glioblastoma, in 2016.</p> <p>However, in May 2019, the cancer once again reared its ugly head.</p> <p>Due to the cancer being in her brain, many doctors refused to operate as the tumour was in a high-risk “no-go zone”.</p> <p>“We were devastated when Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) put Milli into Palliative Care and advised that there was nothing more that they could do,” the family wrote on their website, Team Millstar.</p> <p>“PCH advised that they were unable to operate, and the chemotherapy Milli had received in addition to radiotherapy was not working and no further treatment was possible.”</p> <p>But thanks to renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo who agreed to operate on Milli, 98 per cent of her cancer was removed.</p> <p>The remaining two per cent was removed by doctors in Germany.</p> <p>And now that the cancer has returned, she’s back on the operating table with Dr Teo.</p> <p>“Milli is currently in Sydney with her man Charlie again,” the family said in a statement.</p> <p>“She had surgery on Monday &amp; the disease was removed.</p> <p>“Milli went back to surgery on Tuesday to release pressure. She remains in ICU and has another operation scheduled for Monday.</p> <p>“We ask that you keep her in your thoughts &amp; further updates will be provided when possible”.</p>

Caring

Our Partners