Family, friends mourn the heartbreaking death of 9-year-old Indie Fitzgerald after battle with rare genetic disorder

Tributes are flowing for 9-year-old Sunshine Coast girl Indie Fitzgerald who succumbed to a rare genetic disorder.

Family and friends are mourning 9-year-old Indie Fitzgerald who died on Wednesday morning.

The parents of 9-year-old Indie Fitzgerald have paid tribute to their “brave, gorgeous” girl, who sadly died on Wednesday morning after battling a rare genetic disorder.

Mum Bec Lawford has remembered Indie as a “cheeky” girl who loved having her nails painted, the colour yellow and snuggling with her sister and their cat.

“I will forever be grateful for the time I had with her and the memories I got to share with her,” she said.

“Indie taught me strength, courage, compassion and patience.

“The last time I saw her I said ‘are you my number one?’ and with her eyes she looked up to me which she answered ‘yes’.”

Parents Bec Lawford and Dean Fitzgerald have paid tribute to 9-year-old Indie who died on Wednesday morning.

Ms Lawford said her family would often say Indie “leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes”.

She said Indie died peacefully in her sleep and she was grateful it happened at Indie’s dad’s house and not in a hospital.

“She went on her own terms, when she was ready,” she said.

In 2015, Indie was diagnosed with a rare disorder called infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, which is terminal and affects brain and motor function, sight and hearing.

Heartbreakingly, Indie was robbed of the ability to walk and talk by the time she was 4.

Indie leaves behind mum Bec, dad Dean Fitzgerald and little sister Ivy.

Bec Lawford with Indie and her little sister Ivy.

“She has taught me so, so much over the years and how precious life can be and I will carry that strength on and hopefully one day help other families in need for children like Indie,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“She was so gorgeous, melted everyone’s hearts with her smile and eyes.

“Over the years we have had some truly special people come into Indie’s life and there is plenty I could name but one family that stands out is the Wynns.”

Sue and Andy Wynn became Indie’s godparents and close family friends after meeting the family through their Facebook page, Indie’s Fight Against INAD.

Mr Fitzgerald said the Wynns loved Indie like their own and had been a “godsend” to their lives.

Ms Wynn said from the moment Indie came into their lives there was a “bond that was never going to be broken”.

Close family friend and godmother Sue Wynn holds Indie Fitzgerald.

“Very quickly Bec, Dean, Indie and Ivy became family,” she said.

“We loved and cherished every second. Indie taught us so much.

“Our lives have all changed, for the better, as a result.

“Such a pure and endless love Indie gave, and we will all love her and carry her legacy with us always.”

Mr Fitzgerald also recalled Indie’s cheeky personality and contagious laugh.

“She used to say a few words and loved saying ‘konichiwa’ because (her) nanna thought it was funny,” he said.

Dean Fitzgerald said Indie taught him how precious life was and he hoped to carry on her spirit and help other families.

Indie’s nanna Kathy Fitzgerald said Indie was her princess from the moment she was born.

“Her laugh was contagious,” she said.

“Her and I would have so much fun just playing and being silly and making big messes together.

“Indie is my little hero with how she kept fighting on. I will miss her always.”

Mr Fitzgerald recalled a trip his family took to Cairns when Indie was younger and said it was a “dream” for her.

“The biggest adventure was given to us by Make-A-Wish Foundation,” he said.

“It was a week in Cairns we got to go to the Great Barrier Reef, helicopter ride and a beautiful resort to stay for the week.

“I can’t thank the Make-A-Wish foundation enough for everything they did for Indie, we are truly grateful.”

There has also been an outpouring of grief on social media, with more than 900 people leaving messages of support and condolences to the family on Indie’s Facebook page.

“I’m sorry for your loss. Indie was such a brave little warrior and will be missed by all her friends at Currimundi Special School,” Shana Hinge wrote.

Janine O’Hara wrote: “I’m so very sorry Bec, what a true inspiration Indie has been for so many years. Thoughts with you all. Fly high little Indie.”

Originally published as Family, friends mourn the heartbreaking death of 9-year-old Indie Fitzgerald after battle with rare genetic disorder