In 2002 Glencoe Foundation contributed $20,000 to Romac part of which helped fund Maria to come to Australia for an operation to repair her heart.

When she arrived she was "blue" and did not have long to live. Two weeks after the successful operation at the Children's Hospital in Melbourne she was transformed!

In Australia she was well looked after by Etervina Groenen and Libby and Ken Rice and Dr Janice Kesterton.

Colin Macfarlane and Rupert Betheras have visited Maria and her family three times at her home in Aileu.

Maria is now 10 and attends school daily. Her health is excellent.

In Aileu Sister Susan Gubbins from the Mary Knowles Order keeps an eye on Maria and regularly writes with updates on her progress.

Colin is planning to see Maria again in February 2008.

Links: www.romac.org.au