Sophie Camerini, 13, dies after a battle with a rare spinal cancer

Sophie Camerini, 13, died this week from a rare spinal cancer. But her passion for helping others will live on.

Selfless to the very end, young Sophie Camerini’s legacy will live on long after her tragic, premature death.

This week, the inspirational 13-year-old lost her battle with a rare cancer in her spine, while surrounded by heartbroken family and friends.

The disease, Ewing sarcoma, robbed Sophie of her ability to walk – and play her beloved soccer – but it never took away her indomitable spirit.

“If you talk about courage and inspiration, and you look it up in the dictionary, you’d see Soph’s name there,” said father Roger Camerini.

“She was cheeky, outgoing, outrageous. Everyone loved Soph. She was an absolute movie star, every time she went into a room she just lit it up and everyone knew who she was.

“People just fell in love with her without trying.”

Above all, Sophie wanted to help others, particularly those facing a similar health battle.

In October 2021, a fundraiser at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre raised $135,000 to fly the Adelaide family to the US and allow Sophie to undergo radiation treatment.

When the pandemic prevented them making the trip, the compassionate youngster had a better way to spend the money.

“Soph being Soph, always worrying about everyone else, she turned around and asked me to build a house for kids with cancer so they can go away and just forget about everything and have a holiday,” said Mr Camerini, who owns his own building company.

“Soph said, ‘We don’t need it mum and dad. I’d like to keep that money there and I want to help people. I don’t want anyone to go through what I’ve gone through’.

“She was mature beyond her years. She was just incredible.”

Sophie Camerini with Dad Roger, mum Kirsty, sister Emilia. Picture: Supplied

Sophie Camerini Picture: Facebook

Sophie Camerini with Ed Sheeran in Adelaide in March. Picture: Supplied

Sophie was just 10 years old when she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in April, 2021, after reporting soreness in her legs after soccer training.

An MRI scan revealed cancerous tumours in her spine and she underwent surgery to remove them.

After six weeks in hospital and a year of chemotherapy and radiation, she was given the all-clear in April 2022. But the joy was short-lived.

The cancer had returned by June, with 10 more tumours found in her spine. She underwent more surgery and treatment but by October, she started receiving palliative care.

Doctors had told her she’d never walk again but she proved them wrong on at least one occasion.

“She got walking again at one stage and made it to the kitchen. She was a determined little bugger,” said Mr Camerini.

Mr Camerini and the family, including mother Kirsty and sister Emilia, 15, are equally determined to ensure Sophie’s wishes are fulfilled.

He said they are planning to start a foundation in their daughter’s honour, Standing With Sophie, named after her Facebook page, which will raise awareness and funds for young people with cancer.

“That’s going to be Soph’s legacy,” Mr Camerini said.

“She's touched so many people. It’s amazing. She was a special little kid.”