Now at peace- Mikayla Francis, pictured with her dad, Andrew, was courageous and selfless as she fought for life. 57282

By Casey Neill
MIKAYLA FRANCIS, the Cockatoo girl who captured hearts across Victoria, has lost her short and courageous battle against cancer.
The seven-year-old passed away at 8.30am yesterday (Monday) with her mum Allyson Cowan, dad Andrew Francis and stepmother Rachel Francis by her side.
On his Facebook page, Mr Francis said: “She left us in peace and did not go until she felt both my hand and her mum’s hand on her chest.
“After a horrible 48 hours, Mikayla’s medications were finally controlled and she slept in the one spot peacefully for the night.
“This morning… we were with her, noticing her temp going up and her breath failing her.
“Her Mum and I each placed a flannel on her.
“I put my hand on her shoulder, her mum put her hand on her chest, as soon as she felt us both touch her, she took three more breaths and left us.”
Just 13 weeks ago doctors diagnosed Mikayla with cancer after discovering a baseball sized tumour in her liver. Chemotherapy was unsuccessful.
“But every step of the way she has been selfless and handled herself with dignity and a composure and faith in a God that loves her,” Mr Francis told the Mail last month.
The community rallied behind Mikayla and her family when they needed them most.
Her Menzies Creek Primary School classmates and teachers wore bandannas to support her and held sausage sizzles and free dress days to raise money.
Others have donated time, services, goods and money to make Mikayla’s final days unforgettable.
On 27 November she celebrated her final birthday with more than 700 people, thanks to Make-A-Wish Foundation and well wishers from across the state.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Mr Francis said.
The family celebrated Christmas early, on Saturday 4 December. Mr Francis bought 25 angels for family members to put on their Christmas trees.
“Then every year from now until we’re dead and my grandkids are doing it, that’s going to be our family’s star on our tree to remember her,” he said.
Yesterday Mr Francis wrote: “I cannot breathe, but these verses have kept me going and represent Mikayla’s faith and life coming to mind – Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
“In all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.”
Comments flooded on to his Facebook page moments after Mr Francis posted the news.
“So very sad… what an inspirational little girl,” one read.
Another said: “Finally at peace, out of pain and NEVER forgotten!”
One woman said Mikayla was a beautiful star who would now eternally shine every night in the sky.
On behalf of Mikayla’s mum and her partner Dale, her stepmother and siblings Jeremy, Caleb, Zak, Hannah, Aisha and Maryam, Mr Francis thanked everyone for their love, support “and for allowing Mikayla to touch your lives”.