BRAVE: Tommi Knight lost his battle this morning. FILE PHOTO.
BALLARAT has lost one of its bravest battlers this morning with the death of Tay-Sachs Disease sufferer Tommi Knight.
Tommi Asha was just 25 months old when he passed away at home with his parents, Jess Heard and Bob Knight, by his side.
Click below to see a photo gallery of Tommi Knight.
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Tommi, who was Australia's only Tay-Sachs Disease sufferer, was diagnosed two weeks before his first birthday with the illness, which is caused by a defective gene on chromosome 15 and causes deafness, blindness, loss of muscle strength, loss of motor skills, paralysis and seizures.
Tommi had two lots of experimental stem-cell treatment in Peru which his parents believe helped prolong his life, allowing them to hear his "awesome" laugh and to say "dad".
He celebrated his second birthday last month with a special superhero themed party in which the guest of honour was Super Tommi.
Tributes have poured into his Facebook page, including one from Melissa Romeo which read: "Everyone please take a moment to remember the bravest little boy I think Ballarat has ever seen! Beautiful Tommi Knight grew his wings earlier this morning. My thoughts love and prayers are with his family during this tragic time. A loss and pain no family should have to endure. Rest easy little man, your fight is over now ?."
And even people who never met Tommi have paid tribute to the brave little fighter.
Megan Green of Sebastopol wrote: "Although I never met you Tommi u were an inspiration to all around you. The courage that you showed during your life was amazing. May you rest in peace as a beautiful angel. My heart goes out to your parents, extended family and friends on this sad day for them. Xxx."
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