My name is Maryse Papin, and I am a close friend of the Faumui family. 

Background on Kashia’s passing by her Dad, Garry. 

Kashia began showing signs of depression in her late teens. When I suggested she speak with a professional, she replied, “Dad, I’m good, with God’s help I can get through this.” 

She immersed herself in her studies and music, which gave her purpose and joy. In her early twenties, she became open to therapy, and for a time it helped stabilize her. 

Four years ago, we saw her struggle deepen. She bravely stepped back from music to focus on recovery. Determined to heal, she read extensively about the brain and mental illness, exploring alternative therapies, meditation, dietary changes, and anything that might quiet her thoughts. She fought tirelessly to manage her symptoms and reclaim her wellbeing. 

In February 2024, after travelling overseas, her condition worsened significantly. She was hospitalised and diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. She returned home and, over the following eighteen months, experienced multiple hospital admissions as doctors worked to stabilise her. After her most recent discharge, she lived with us for added support before returning to her shared accommodation in February 2026. 

We spent Friday 20 February together celebrating Koebi’s birthday as a family. It was a warm, special evening. She returned home afterward, rostered to work the next day. 

On Monday 23 February, we arrived to take her to a scheduled psychiatric appointment, only to learn she had left the previous morning and had not returned. Given her history, we immediately reported her missing and began searching, calling and messaging without response. Later that evening, police informed us she had boarded an international flight alone. We had no known connections where she travelled. We urgently contacted authorities and consular officials, hoping to locate her. Kashia’s brief social media post gave us a moment of hope, but our messages went unanswered. Days later, we were devastated to learn of her death. Kashia fought courageously against her illness. Her courage and bravery is helping us deal with her passing. As a family, we did everything we could to support and protect her. Since her passing, we have been advocating for systemic reforms to better safeguard vulnerable individuals under active psychiatric care. 

In addition to our overwhelming grief, we are navigating the complex and distressing process of repatriating Kashia from Peru, including foreign medical procedures, legal requirements, language barriers and significant financial costs. 

 Thankfully, Kashia leaves behind a legacy of beautiful memories through her music and her deep love of art. 

She shares her struggles in her last original song “Re-writing” which she performs with her brothers: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSQ7EKpB3tQ

We will honour her life by establishing a foundation dedicated to strengthening mental health systems and increasing public awareness and understanding of severe mental health conditions. 

Her passion for music and art will guide and inspire this mission.

In order to bring Kashia home and properly celebrate her beautiful life, $35,000 is needed. During this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for your support to help Magdelena and Garry bring their loving daughter home.

Any donation, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated and will help ease the burden on the family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity.