The Estreich family- mum Kylie, dad Adrian, sister Georgia and Lani, with the Wiggles. Photo: Kylie Pitt
AS THE Wiggles waved goodbye after a special visit to see terminally ill Alannah ‘Lani’ Estreich at her pre-school in North Richmond on Monday, the emotion proved too much for her parents Adrian and Kylie.
But when all smiles seemed lost, there were some comforting words from their brave little girl and her seven year-old sister Georgia.
“Happy tears Daddy,” Lani said touching her father’s face, and “think of chocolate rivers mum,” whispered Georgia.
In a rare and exciting visit, the Wiggles and Dorothy the Dinosaur, surprised around 30 children including Lani at Elizabeth Street Pre-School in North Richmond. The visit came about following a letter sent by event organiser Raquel Rowlands to the Wiggles management, explaining Lani’s story.
Three-year-old Lani is fighting a losing battle with a brain tumour that re-occurred in September last year.
Her first diagnosis and treatment were in November 2011.
Lani was given just three weeks to live in September, but five months on she is still affecting people with her cheeky smile and beautiful nature.
“Lani is a beautiful, happy and loving little girl with an amazing smile ... all of the things we’re going to miss,” Mr Estreich said.
“We cherish every day and when we got the call that the Wiggles were coming out to meet her we just couldn’t believe it,” he said.
Despite suffering from a headache on the day, Lani still found time to be cheeky while waiting for the Wiggles to arrive, smiling and laughing, while her dad massaged her aching head and feet.
The whole experience of meeting the Wiggles seemed almost overwhelming for the occasionally shy Lani, who spent most of the time snuggled into the nook of her father’s shoulder while watching the show.
There was hardly a dry eye in the room when the Wiggles sang Lani’s favourite song ABC, which Blue Wiggle Anthony personalised by tying her name into the final verse.
Following some photos and a quick play with the kids, the Wiggles left in their Big Red Car and Lani and her family were brought to tears by the whole experience.
“Things like this [only] happen on TV, it’s just incredible,” Mr Estreich said.
A tired Lani was taken home soon after the concert, while her family was left treasuring the moment the Wiggles made little Lani’s day.