‘Beautiful’ mum Elise Squillari who gave birth after cancer diagnosis loses battle
A Gold Coast mum, described as an “angel” and a “kind, gracious and resilient beauty” who gave birth to a baby boy just a week after she was diagnosed with incurable cancer has passed away. TRIBUTES
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A Gold Coast woman who gave birth to a baby boy just a week after she was diagnosed with incurable cancer has passed away.
Tributes have poured in for Elise Squillari, with family and friends describing the young mum as a “beautiful angel” and a “kind, gracious and resilient beauty”.
Mrs Squillari was admitted to Gold Coast University hospital at 32 weeks pregnant after she started suffering from severe headaches which saw her undergo emergency brain surgery to relieve pressure on her brain.
Two tumours were removed, with doctors saying there would be many more. The following week, she was told she had stage four metastatic melanoma.
Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, Mrs Squillari was forced to deliver her baby at 33 weeks.
In June, husband Dylan Squillari announced the arrival of their baby boy Romeo who weighed in at just 2.1kg.
On Tuesday, Mr Squillari paid tribute to his “beautiful angel” on Instagram following her death.
“You didn’t deserve any of this,” he wrote.
“Loved by everyone, you will never be forgotten and forever in our hearts.
“You were always my unicorn and always will be. I love you Elise Violetta.”
He has created a Spotify playlist titled “Violetta” with all of his wife’s favourite songs.
“How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” by Al Green and “I’m Kissing You” by Des’ree feature on the playlist.
Liz Cantor described her friend as nurturing, warm and someone who “just had this energy of kindness around her”.
“We know she would want us to share her story and a message of being sun safe and skin smart,” Ms Cantor said.
“She was such a healthy person - If I was to describe a picture of health, it would be Elise.
“It’s a real shock to see it also happen to someone who you wouldn’t classify in that danger group and just how unbelievably quickly it happened.”
Ms Cantor said her friend’s story showed how important it was for other mothers to not “write-off” discomfort during pregancy.
“It’s another reminder to really listen to our bodies and not be afraid to speak up if we’re feeling uncomfortable during that time.”
She said family and friends would rally around Elise’s husband and their children Romeo and Gigi.
Lisa Kolkka described Mrs Squillari as “the girl who had the most fun”.
“I miss you beyond belief already and I cannot wait until we meet again,” she wrote.
“Fly high beautiful angel.”
Trent Jenkins described the young mum as “the sweetest girl you will ever meet”.
“You will be missed so much by everyone who knew you,” he wrote on Facebook.
Before she died, Mrs Squillari pleaded for others to get their skin checked.
“Please guys, grab a friend and get a skin check,” she posted on Instagram.
“I was getting 3-6 month checks. Years ago I had a spot cut out of my back, I was told it could turn cancerous.”
Originally published as ‘Beautiful’ mum Elise Squillari who gave birth after cancer diagnosis loses battle
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