My name is John Katal, I have created this fund-raiser on behalf of my brother and niece in need of your help-

My name is Leo Katal, my daughter Maybellene Katal, from Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, turned 21 on 26th of August this year, but her future is in jeopardy.

At the age of twelve Maybellene contracted Rheumatic Fever, unbeknownst to her and our family at the time. Since then, this illness has caused her to have multiple heart attacks. She lives in chronic pain and now has limited time as her heart valves are failing.

Cardiologists have diagnosed her with a severe Mitral and Aortic Valve Regurgitation/Leakage. Maybellene needs to undergo heart valve replacement surgery, if she does not receive this, her heart will further weaken and lead to life-threatening heart attacks. This cannot be done in PNG as it is a third world country without the medical facilities necessary.

Maybellene is one of eight children, we lost our first born Bevan, at 19months old in November 1996 and we cannot bare the thought of losing another child. Currently I am unemployed and am caring for her as best as possible, but this condition has impacted Maybellene's education and home life greatly. We cannot express how much it will mean for Maybellene to have the chance to live a long and 'normal' life.

We are hoping to raise enough funds to cover the cost for Maybellene to have the surgery performed in Melbourne, Australia and to help with the ongoing care she will need in the future i.e. medication, follow-up appointments/check-ups, future heart valve replacements (a life-time cycle as replacement valves wear out over time.)

Hospitals and medical practitioners in Australia are being approached to see if they can assist in reducing the cost.

Any donation to help get our Maybellene to Australia to undergo this life-saving surgery is immensely appreciated.

I come out before you, with a humble heart, pleading for your compassion and kindness, please help us save our beloved child.

I sincerely thank you, from every fiber of my heart, for your time, your considerations and kind donations.

Leo Katal

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea