Death Ends Long Fight

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday January 14, 2009

By ANGELA THOMPSON

HORSLEY teenager Tamara Bianco has succumbed to cancer two years after doctors told her there was nothing more they could do.

The St Joseph's Catholic High School student died on Monday night at home with her family.

Her death ended a six-year fight for life that began at age 10, when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive early childhood cancer which attacks the nervous system.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a bone marrow transplant defeated the cancer but it later returned.

In October 2006, doctors told Tamara they couldn't treat the tumour. Her disposition stayed sunny and determined despite the gloom.

"I was 10 when I first got cancer and I knew I could die, but my mind was set on living," she told the Mercury in May 2007, when she was photographed laughing with little sister Olive and shopping with friends Kylie Estreich and Ashleigh Garzotto.

"I've beaten this once and I know I can do it again."

A requiem mass will be held for Tamara on Friday.

© 2009 Illawarra Mercury

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