Flo’s Story
Florence Joan Turner was born into this world as a truly magical soul, a force of nature. She was a whirlwind of energy and curiosity, captivating everyone around her. By the age of three, Flo was already a little dynamo, fearlessly diving into the depths of swimming pools, riding her bike and dominating paths on her scooter. Her zest for life was infectious her strength and independence shining through in everything she did. But beyond her boundless energy, Flo was a beacon of sweetness and generosity, her caring nature touching the hearts of all who knew her.
Our beloved Princess Flo marched to the beat of her own drum, delighting in imaginative play as unicorns and princesses danced through her whimsical world. She was a master of surprise, adorning herself in Halloween costumes for Christmas and Easter bunny outfits for Halloween, a testament to her individuality. Music, stories, nature, and animals—Flo embraced them all infusing each moment with her radiant light and boundless magic.
One morning in March 2023, we noticed Flo’s right eye had started to turn in so we booked an immediate doctors appointment. On her way to the car, Flo stumbled and mentioned she couldn’t see properly, at that moment we decided to head straight to the John Hunter Hunter emergency room. After numerous tests and an MRI, we heard the news that no parent would ever want to hear.. “we have found a large tumour in your daughters brain and we believe it is DIPG”. In an instant our hearts were shattered along with our whole world.
Flo’s journey through treatment began with 30 gruelling rounds of radiation, followed by enrolment in a clinical trial. For the first 9 months of her diagnosis, after radiation she was symptom free and was able to live a normal life. Hope flickered as we pursued every avenue available, but the tumour persisted, relentless in its growth. With disbelief we watched as Flo’s once vibrant spirit began to dim, her strength waning with each passing day.
Flo, then aged 4 underwent a second round of radiation under general anthesis for a further 8 sessions. She gained some of her functions back and had stability over the Christmas period however, over the following 3 months later she declined. Flo became ‘locked in’ unable to speak, move or communicate with us, she then slipped into a peaceful coma. Flo passed away a month later at home surrounded by her family on 12 April 2024, just 13 months after her diagnosis.
In her memory, we chose to donate the tumour that stole her from us, hoping that it might one day lead to a cure for others facing the same cruel fate. Though Flo’s physical presence may be gone, her spirit lives on in our hearts and memories. She is the laughter in the wind, the warmth of the sun, a constant reminder that love transcends all boundaries. For Florence Joan Turner, our eternal Princess Flo, will forever be the light that guides us through the darkness.
