Casey Dellacqua's emotional tribute after devastating family announcement
The Aussie tennis hero has received an outpouring of support after the heartbreaking news.
Aussie tennis hero Casey Dellacqua has penned a heartbreaking tribute following the death of her sister-in-law Nicole Austin. Taking to social media this week, Dellacqua shared the devastating news that Nicole had died following a short battle with incurable cancer.
"To our kids she was their Aunty Nicole and to us she was our divine sister-in-law Nic," Dellacqua wrote alongside a number of photos. "She has left us way too soon, valiantly fighting cancer for the last 6 months, it breaks my heart to share her passing surrounded by her loved ones on the 11th of July.
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"We miss you more than you will ever know Nic. You were the kindest most gentle soul. We promise to look after your loving partner Kristy and your two beautiful girls Liv and Bowie like our own forever."
Nicole was diagnosed last December, just days after daughter Bowie had reached a significant milestone following her premature birth. "Nicole and Kristy have the 2 little girls together and last year in April at 23 weeks their 2nd born Bowie was born - well that was a tough journey for them and amazingly Bowie is now a gorgeous little 1 year old and is an absolute miracle," Dellacqua wrote.
"The girls had just got through that journey and Bowie had come off full time oxygen support in December and 2 weeks later Nicole was diagnosed with stage 4b cancer. It has been devastating to watch Nic pass and to see Kristy and her her girls left behind grieving and having to find a way to live without their beautiful Mummy. Hold onto your loved ones tight."
Outpouring of support after Casey Dellacqua announcement
Nicole was diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, which originated in her ovaries and spread to her lungs, liver and lymph nodes. Her family thanked those who have shown their support through a GoFundMe page, writing: "Nicole's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have provided unwavering support to Nic throughout the past six months. The outpouring of generosity and acts of kindness has been truly overwhelming and will forever remain etched in their hearts.
"The financial assistance received played a pivotal role in enabling Nic to explore alternative treatment avenues. Although Nic managed to complete one round of immunotherapy, it is with great sorrow that we announce her untimely passing earlier this week."
Dellacqua's post sparked an outpouring of support from around the tennis world. Billie Jean King wrote: "So very sorry for your loss."
Matt Ebden wrote "so sorry to hear", while Casey Dellacqua added: "So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you."
Aussie swimming great Giann Rooney commented: "The saddest of news… so very sorry for all of you who loved Nicole, just heartbreaking."
Dellacqua is a former doubles World No.3, now a popular commentator and media personality. She reached as high as World No.26 in singles in 2014, and made the final at every grand slam in doubles while collecting seven career titles.
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