Starlight Children’s Foundation
We are deeply grateful to the Starlight Children’s Foundation for bringing moments of happiness, play and light to Flo and our family during her treatment.
Visit StarlightThe little girl at the heart of it all
Flo’s
story
Florence Joan Turner was our funny, fearless, beautiful little girl, our eternal Princess Flo. This is her story, told with love.
01
Our beautiful Flo
A light that filled every room
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, with her strength and independence shining through in everything she did. Beyond her boundless energy, Flo was a beacon of sweetness and generosity. Her caring nature touched 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.
02
The diagnosis
The day our world changed
One morning in March 2023, we noticed Flo’s right eye had started to turn in, so we booked an immediate doctor’s 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 Hospital 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 daughter’s brain, and we believe it is DIPG.”
In an instant, our hearts were shattered along with our whole world.
03
Treatment and hope
Every avenue available
Flo’s journey through treatment began with 30 gruelling rounds of radiation, followed by enrolment in a clinical trial.
For the first nine months after radiation, she was symptom free and 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 four, underwent a second round of radiation under general anaesthesia for a further eight sessions. She regained some of her functions and had stability over the Christmas period.
04
Surrounded by love
Our eternal Princess Flo
Over the following three months, Flo declined. She 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.
Forever lovedPrecious family photographs will be placed here
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 and the warmth of the sun, a constant reminder that love transcends all boundaries.
The people who walked beside us
Held by an incredible community
Throughout Flo’s journey, there were remarkable people and organisations who brought joy, comfort, care and music into the hardest days of our lives. Their kindness will always be part of Flo’s story.
Flo’s child life therapists
To the incredible child life therapists who walked beside us every day, thank you. You understood Flo, supported our whole family and helped us through moments that felt impossible.
Robert Connor Dawes Foundation
We will always be grateful to the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation for bringing a registered music therapist into our home. Those sessions gave Flo comfort, expression and beautiful moments of connection through music.
Learn about Music MattersMake A Wish Australia
Make A Wish Australia gave Flo and our family a precious holiday together, creating joyful memories away from hospitals and treatment. That time together will always be part of Flo’s story.
Visit Make A WishSleapy’s Foundation
Sleapy’s Foundation supported our family with practical help, generosity and genuine care during Flo’s illness. Their kindness reached into the parts of daily life that can become overwhelming when a child is seriously ill. We will share more of the individual ways they helped us here, because every one of them mattered.
Visit Sleapy’s FoundationHer journey, in pictures
So much love,
in every chapter
Flo’s photographs are being woven throughout her story, with more treasured moments to be added as her journey continues to unfold here.
Photos coming soon
Flo’s journey
Precious memories
Love from near and far
Mail for
Princess Flo
Flo touched hearts far beyond our family. Messages, letters and beautiful gestures arrived from people who wanted her to know she was seen, supported and loved.
We’ll share a selection of that treasured fan mail here. It will be a record of the remarkable community that wrapped itself around Flo and our family.
Flo’s letters and messages
coming soon
coming soon
“Though Flo’s physical presence may be gone, her spirit lives on in our hearts and memories. She is the laughter in the wind and the warmth of the sun, a constant reminder that love transcends all boundaries.”
Florence Joan Turner, our eternal Princess Flo, will forever be the light that guides us through the darkness.Return to Flo’s Day