GREER McDONALD - The Dominion Post | Saturday, 22 November 2008
FAREWELL: Graeme Han, mother Shanell Christian, father Jason Milne, brother Jordan, 7, and Nicholas Cavaye brought Kyah Milne's casket into the chapel. At 19 months she was found to have neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal glands.
Words made famous by Christopher Robin in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories resonated with a crowd of hundreds that gathered to celebrate the life of tiny battler Kyah Milne.
"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember - you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."
Kyah died peacefully at home on Wednesday, aged "almost three", after a 16-month fight against neuroblastoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal glands.
Friends and family who gathered at Lychgate Chapel in Johnsonville yesterday listened to a recording of Kyah's 12-year-old brother Kaleb, who recited passages from books such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Hairy Maclary.
Kyah's small white coffin, covered in sparkly stickers, was carried into the chapel by family members to the sound of Scottish pipes.
Celebrant Karen Simpson, who took the marriage service of Kyah's parents Shanell Christian and Jason Milne, spoke of Kyah's short but memorable life - "Defying the odds at every turn, hand-in-hand with her trusty companion 'Raffe [Giraffe].
"We remember Kyah for her indomitable spirit, her determination and for the things that she has taught us to value - love, laughter and life."
Kaleb read a poem he had written for his baby sister, and Child Cancer Foundation staff presented the family with bright pink sparkly scarves.
Members of Kyah's playgroup sang her favourite song "Ka Kite [Farewell]" while a slideshow of photos was shown.
1 comment:
If you find this story touching and want to know what you can to to support children who have no choice to fight such a dreadful form of pediatric cancer you might choose to support mcuh needed research into better treatment options. Today there are few and only about 60% of children with neruoblastoma survive. www.cookies forkidscancer.org is a way you can choose to help support reseach this holdiay season. Our son Liam is fighting neuroblastoma and we are doing all we can to save him and other innocent children like him. Our sincerest apologies to this family. We are so sorry and know the journey you have endured.
The Witt Family founders of Cookies for Kids' Cancer
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