Alana's Story...
Alana was born abruptly in the front seat of the car on the way to the hospital (second child!). She was unexpectedly small weighing 2kg and continued to grow very slowly, struggling to put on weight or meet key developmental milestones such as rolling or sitting.
She was a happy baby, but it was becoming clear that this was something we needed to look into. Alana underwent many, often invasive tests which eventually confirmed the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease.
The diagnosis was devastating. While it was a relief to have a name, something that explained what we were watching Alana go through, it was also very frightening.
As an outcome of her diagnosis, Alana was put on new medication which reduced the impact of some of her symptoms. Once these settled down a bit, Alana started to retain food and began to grow quickly. Alana was much more content, but it was obvious that she had lost a lot of the skills she had worked so hard to get. She could no longer crawl or talk, she was losing her hearing and moving independently was getting harder for her. It was heartbreaking to watch helplessly.
We made a conscious effort to refocus on the child we had right here right now, focusing on improving Alana’s weight gain and building her strength.
Alana continued to grow and develop, and we cherished every milestone big or small. Alana moving to a bigger wheelchair, graduating pre-school and going to big school. Alana went to a fabulous special purposes school near our home and she loved the challenges, friends and support. While Alana was unable to walk, talk or eat, she was growing and developing each day. She was engaging, determined and clever, and pushed her body as far as it can go.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t as far as we had desperately hoped and while she was still thriving in many areas of her life, mito was slowly reducing her ability to breathe independently. After a short stay in ICU in September 2020, we took Alana to Bear Cottage to take her final breaths in our arms. Despite knowing the odds, the reality of how quickly it happened was a huge shock for us.
While Alana leaves a legacy of unconditional joy and love, which we will be forever grateful for, it is not enough. This story is unfortunately not unique. There is currently no cure or effective treatment for mitochondrial disease. In honour of Alana, our Mighty Heart, please help to change this.
Toni, Alana's mum
Donations in memory of Alana
$217.20
Margaret Catton
$27.15
Michelle And Nigel
For our beautiful angel Alana, always in our hearts. Love Aunty Shell, Uncle Nigel and kids xxx
$27.15
Penelope
$54.31
Michel Zwecker
In memory of beautiful Alana xx
$50
Anonymous
O Thou most glorious Lord! Make this little maidservant of Thine blessed and happy; cause her to be cherished at the threshold of Thy oneness, and let her drink deep from the cup of Thy love so that she may be filled with rapture and ecstasy and diffuse sweet-scented fragrance. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful, and Thou art the All-Knowing, the All-Seeing. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
$100
Anonymous
Hi Toni. Thinking of you and your family.
$350
Judy Bell
Thoughts continue to be with the whole family as you adjust to life without your precious, cheeky Alana
$50
Michelle Wicks
Toni I was so sorry to hear of this sad news about your gorgeous girl - I am sure she looks on with great pride at all her mum is doing !! Take care Michelle
$108.61
Nick Catton
All our love Nick, Emme & Asha.
$86.89
Toni Catton
For our darling angel Alana on her 8th birthday. You remain in our hearts and minds and we continue to try to make you proud. Lots of love forever Mummy, Daddy and Sophia.
$54.31
Anonymous
All my prayers and love are with you all xxx
$54.31
Gran Kay
My birthday gift! In my heart forever. Gran
$271.53
Hannah Marsden
Lots of love.
$54.31
Michelle Mcshane
Lots of love Michelle x
$50
Rob Jones
Good luck with your fundraising Toni.
$54.31
Tsae
$50
Belinda Clifton-steele
$197
Sound Expression
A combined contribution from the parents and friends of Alana and family at Sound Expression
$32.58
Katie Gangemi
$100
Carla Vallance
$27.15
Christine
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of Alana with the world x
$54.31
Anonymous
$10.86
Cameron Barker
$27.15
Alice Thompson-seagrave
$27.15
Tracey Dailhou
With love xxx
$54.31
Denise Charen
$21.72
Electra Jensen
Go well Toni snd be very proud of what you have achieved so far🙏🏻
$108.61
Ben Gibson
$10.86
Ross Loader
$54.31
Jesseca Dansey
$54.31
Victoria Russell
$20
Kelly Bloore
$54.31
Tijen Basacik
Dearest Catton family, if it was not for you and beautiful Alana, my family and I would not have been aware of this rare disease. You and Alana have done so much to raise awareness to better the lives of those that are effected and should be very proud of that. I am sure those that have had the privilege of meeting your lovely family will continue to celebrate the life of Alana!
$100
Leigh Hoffmann
In loving memory of beautiful Alana ❤️
$10.86
David Ogier
$54.31
Alicia Ryan Davis
$54.31
Gajen Dhayanathan
$27.15
David Trundle
$100
Briony Cadwallader
$54.31
Selina Molloy
$27.15
Melissa Phipson
$21.72
Jacqui Cummins
All my love forever
$54.31
Bennett Ebel
For a beautiful child!
$271.53
Kate Mason
$10.86
Anonymous
$32.58
Natalie Emirzian
Forever in my thoughts xx
$54.31
Kate Brown
Toni, wishing you and your family much love and support xx
$21.72
Patricia Leech
$54.31
Dean Jackson
$10
Benjamin Steains
$10.86
Anonymous
$25
Simon Carlin
$1.05k
Anonymous
$32.58
Jacqueline Nguyen
$54.31
Sarah Burn
Hi Toni and family In memory of the lovely and brave Alana. Love Sarah
$10.86
Tammy Thomas
Hi Toni I hope this would help the Mito foundation to find the cure soon. Take care and all the best Tammy
$27.15
Jon
A wonderful cause. Thinking of you Toni and of course Alana.
$10
Michael Bower
$10.86
John Harvey
$108.61
Brad Stevenson
$250
Elizabeth Miller
Alana’s spirit lives on through the wonderful work by the Catton family to help and inspire others. Well done Toni for turning your own sorrow into strength and hope. Alana will be so proud of you all xx
$108.61
Emily
In memory of a very special girl
$43.45
Jac P
Raffle tickets!
$27.15
Mick And Dianne Couch
Thanks Toni for your smooth transition Anh honesty..
$580
West Sydney Wolves Basketball Fundraiser
$54.31
Margie & Doug
Our thoughts are with you.
$80
Emma Martin
My love goes to you all ! With biggest hugs
$54.31
Carlene
Rest well blessed Alana ❤️
$200
Sound Expression
Alana, it was a privilege to know and to work with you, we will always treasure the beautiful music that we shared together.
$250
Lilith
$54.31
Scott Singh
$54.31
Shelana Silver
What a special gift Alana was to this world. I hope you all find strength at this difficult time in the treasured memories and lessons she left for you.
$50
Louise Conn
Alana will always be a dining star in my memory. Sending much love to you all. Louise
$54.31
Aaron Smith
$54.31
Lisa Higgins
Alana was incredibly courageous and so is her family as her ambassadors. Hugs!
$108.61
Rachael And Anne
Thinking of you all and sending loads of love your way from all of your whanau here in Taranaki xoxoxoxo. Fly free beautiful butterfly
$500
Coosh
The Catton Family, Our love, thoughts and prayers are with u all at this time. Alana's contagious smile radiated across the playground everytime we saw her. She will be sadly missed. Sending our deepest sympathies from ur Coosh family xx
$54.31
Penny
In memory of beautiful Alana
$108.61
Reena And Jay Patel
Shine bright little one. Thinking of you all xx
$108.61
Ellard Family
Alana x
$50
David And Julie Williams
Dear Paul,Toni,Sophia and Kay Our heartfelt sympathy and love to you all. We have been very privileged to have known Alana. Neil will have her in his arms now.Every blessing.
$10
Ash Perera
$200
Janice Barrett
An amazing young lady who never failed to brighten one's day. This was coupled with a fierce determination to make the most of every opportunity. Farewell Alana you will be missed.
$100
Anna
An inspirational young lady. Her spirit will live on.
$54.31
Lisa Por
I didn't realise our girls were born only a short couple of months apart. thank you for your strength, bravery and all the awareness you brought to this extremely important cause. Enjoy playing with all the Angels Alana, especially my gorgeous Gabriella. Rest in peace beautiful girl.
$250
Oscar, Enza, Julian, Sienna
In memory of your brave and inspirational little girl
$50
Michael Refalo
Hi Toni, my condolences to you & the Catton family in this very difficult time.
$543.07
Margaret Catton
ALANA brought great joy and love to the family and it was a great honour to have been chosen to be her loving Nannie xxxxxxx
$250
Chris Roach & Izzi Granger
We will miss Alana’s brave spirit, she will endure in our thoughts and memories. Sending much love to the family, from Chris, Greg, Angus and Izzi
$108.61
Gabriella Schirato
In memory of Alana xx
$200
Lucas Gardens School P&c
$100
Jane Mcloughlin
$200
Michelle Mcshane
Dear Toni, Sending you our thoughts and love at this time. May God bless beautiful Alana and you all. Michelle and Family x
$108.61
Anonymous
For Alana, a wonderful little girl.
$217.23
Sam
Alana you were a delight to work with and I will always remember your beautiful smile. Toni, Paul, Sophia and Kay my thoughts are with you all.
$250
Steve Catton & Valerio Sokolovic
In memory of Alana. Thinking of you all, love Steve & Val
$54.31
Fiona Kitson
Rest in peace Alana. So sorry for your loss Toni, Paul and Sofia. Thinking of you. Xx
$100
Kevin & Monica
Kay, I'm so sorry to hear about your Granddaughter. Kevin C. XXX
$27.15
Anonymous
$27.15
Alan Delamere
$54.31
Sheila Harmes
Very much in our thoughts for you all. Your little girl has not left this world without making a difference. Sending love to you all at this time. x
$108.61
Tony & Margaret Edwards
Dear Toni, Paul and Sofia. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your precious Alana.
$108.61
Gail Donaldson And Family
Remembering Alana and her brave battle against mito.
$54.31
Cooper, Alex, Carla And Harrison Kok
Sorry to hear this sad news, we are all thinking of your family. We very much enjoyed sharing musical therapy with Alana and her smiley face! Cooper will miss having her in class with him. May Alana rest in peace.
$108.61
Mikayla And Vivienne Woon
Dear Toni We are so saddened to learn this news and are holding you and family close in our hearts in this tough time. Alana had been so brave and we will never forget her and her beautiful smile. Rest in peace, Alana, you are with the angels now.
$50
Mo Parker
Another angel joins my little girl's Lucy and Molly will have so much fun with Alana and they will look after her as will the other mito people in heaven. Thinking about you all at this very sad time much love Mo Parker xxx
$271.53
Donna And Daniel Simicevic
From our family to yours, we are thinking of you all and are deeply sorry for your loss. We are equally smiling with you in memory of 7 cherished years with your beautiful girl xx Simicevic family
$27.15
Kim Mills
So very sorry Toni and family for your loss of Alana xx
$27.15
Carolyn
I was saddened to hear that Alana has passed away. I hope you find strength in loved ones and family to help you get through this awful time. Sending all my love at this difficult time to you, Paul and Sofia
$250
Maree Holgate
No words can describe how sorry i am for your lose Toni and Family. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing Alana's story with us, and supporting our cause to help those with Mito.. All my love from NZ.. xoxoxox
$100
Cameron Mackie
In memory of Alana, a inspiring little girl with an amazing smile.
$250
Jane Bunce
In memory of our darling Alana. All our love and prayers for the Catton family. Jane, Hadleigh and Lindsey x
$54.31
Amber Williams
In memory of a beautiful girl who touched many lives ❤️
$27.15
Heather
Rest beautiful Alana, I’m sending all my love to your family who will miss you so much and I hope that we can end MITO and this little contribution in your memory helps this important cause xx
$54.31
Natalie Emirzian
May Alana rest in peace, what an inspiration she was to us all! xxx
$54.31
Leo Roberts
Love and strength from your mito buddy Leo 🦁 💚 xx
$27.15
Pam & Gary
So sorry to hear this very sad news. The little girl with the beautiful smile. Much love to you all xx
$217.23
Mel & Grant
In memory of a special little girl who touched our lives and whose smile we will always remember x
$54.31
Jessica Rob
Lots of love and hugs to you guys! What an amazing little girl who has taught Leo how to fight. Thank you so much for all your support and guidance. Rest In Peace darling Alana xx ❤️
$54.31
Janice Delicata
Much love you to all. Alana was such a beautiful little girl who captivated me with her gorgeous smile. RIP little one Big hugs Janice Delicara
$250
Irene Leask
In loving memory of Leo's brave little Mito Warrior friend and your little princess
$108.61
Cameron Junge & Family
$100
Sarah Currie
In loving memory of Leo's brave little Mito Warrior friend, and your little princess x
$100
Lynda & Peter Headland
Thinking of you all at this sad time. All our love.
$108.61
Judy Junge
A beautiful angel 👼 Alana she touched so many hearts
$27.15
Kaitlyn
$108.61
Lina Saliba
In memory of your brave little warrior princess x
$108.61
Tarin
In memory of an inspiring little girl and her amazing family
$81.46
Michelle, Nigel, Brennan, Kennedy & Zara
With love xxx
$108.61
Sandra Dodson
In loving memory of Alana.
$100
Trudie Harriman
In memory of the incredible Alana x
$50
Peterken
$10.86
Maria Romesburg
In memory of a Mito Warrior Princess. Love, Maria and Vanessa
$50
Bel Farr-jones
$108.61
Luke Henson
Abbey Mason
Alana would be so proud of all the great work her Mummy has done in her memory x
It was a joy for us to be with you on the 20th January to celebrate what would have been your 10th birthday and Alana you are in our thoughts every day until we meet again Love Nanniexxxxxx