JOSEPHINE Laura Dun was "universally remembered" for her infectious giggle.
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A giggle that began before she could crawl, and endured - even when she could no longer speak.
At a packed Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday, the four-year-old's family and friends came together to honour the brave little girl whose devastating battle shone a spotlight on the insidious disease that ultimately claimed her life.
"Josie" died on Saturday after a 22-month battle against the deadly brain stem cancer, Diffuse Instrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Her story touched many, as her father - Hunter cancer researcher Dr Matt Dun - switched focus to find a better way to treat DIPG.
On Thursday, Josie's mother - Dr Phoebe Dun - said that despite the pain, the anguish, and the devastation of the past 22 months, they were grateful for the time they had with their "precious girl".
"Before your death, I may even have thought that seeing you finally resting, free from a broken body, would somehow bring me some peace," Dr Dun said.
"It has now been five long days since I have held you, and as it has been described by a friend, your suffering may have ended, but mine has just begun.
"There is no peace in a life without you."
Dr Dun said Josie's birth could not have made them happier.
"A tiny little bundle of perfection, delivered into our arms - a reward for our patience," she said.
"You had the loveliest of dispositions of any child I had ever known. You were kind, and caring... You were so much wiser than your years."
Mourners remembered Josie's determination, her enthusiasm, and her sweet disposition. They remembered her wicked sense of humour. Her glorious giggle.
They remembered her as a "beautiful" big sister to George and Harriet, and as "daddy's little sidekick".
"Many will never understand the lengths Matt went to to give our girl every possible opportunity to beat this cancer," Dr Dun said.
"By day, Matt was doing his best to support a normal family life. By night, he was researching and executing plan B, C, D, E, F and G - trying to keep one step ahead of his enemy, despite knowing - deep down - he was fighting a losing battle."
Josie's family launched the charity - RUN DIPG - to fund "vital" research into the disease that has an average survival of nine months.
While experimental treatments bought Josie some time, eventually, DIPG would rob her of her ability to speak, eat, and move.
"Only weeks before your little sister Harriet arrived, an MRI confirmed your tumour had again begun to grow," Dr Dun said. "The more skills Harriet began to acquire, the more you seemed to lose.
"Harriet started to crawl, and you, my girl, were struggling to sit.
"Harriet started chatting, and you, my girl, were learning to communicate with your eyes.
"Harriet began to enjoy solids, and you, my girl, were restricted to purees.
"I know you could have become that astronaut on your very own rainbow rocket if you had only been given half the chance, but you weren't.
"Mummy and daddy did our best to make the right decisions by you Jose, aiming to always put your quality of life before our need to have you here with us...
"I hope wherever you are, your giggle is loud, and your smile is bright."
To support DIPG research, visit https://everydayhero.com.au/event/rundipg.
