Catherine was born on 19th October 2002, in Mumbai to Selvinson and Graciana. They named her Catherine, meaning ‘pure’ and that is what described her best. She radiated a positive aura and made others comfortable with her gentle presence. Catherine was deeply loved by young and old Her parents weaved big dreams for her from the time she was born. As she completed every milestone and grew, nothing could stop her. She was intelligent and multi-talented. As much as she soared in academics by achieving the High Achiever award for five straight years, she was also an excellent musician, a sportsperson, a writer, and a baker.

Unfortunately, one fateful day, Catherine suffered from a slight leg pain that did not go away even after countless medicines. Upon further medical examination, it was confirmed to be a rare high-grade cancer of the bone. Catherine was confined to a wheelchair for eight months, going through multiple chemotherapies and surgeries. As she was still trying to cope with the trauma of the medical treatments, doctors announced that her left leg had to be amputated to save her life. To everybody’s surprise, Catherine took the news daringly and kept combating her sickness. After the amputation and more treatments, the doctors finally declared her to be cancer-free! It was time for a celebration. The family enjoyed a short trip together to create precious memories to cherish later. Catherine rejoined school and became independent, walking with her brand-new prosthetic leg. She went to school using public transport and once again took up her hobbies of music and baking. Life could not be better! She even stood first in her school in the 10th public examinations.

On her last day of the tenth board exam, she experienced an excruciating pain in the left shoulder. Tests revealed that the cancer was back. The family was shattered yet again. They sought the expertise of top doctors in Mumbai, and Catherine found herself once again caught in the relentless cycle of surgeries and chemotherapy. Though these treatments gradually weakened her body, her faith in God remained unshakable. Her ability to maintain a smile and a positive outlook through her struggles left even her doctors in awe, who told her parents how fortunate they were to have such a daughter. Unfortunately, her body could no longer endure the suffering, and she had to say her final goodbye. On the 26th February 2020, Catherine peacefully rested in eternal peace.

Catherine wore her smile like her best attire, remaining steadfast in the face of bad news and pain. Despite enduring numerous heartbreaking setbacks, including a leg amputation, she never lost her hope or her smile, nor did she succumb to depression. Her faith in God affirmed her belief that her life was part of a bigger plan. This belief drove her to support and uplift other teenagers and young people who were struggling with feelings of hopelessness, addiction, and depression. In her brief time on Earth, she provided comfort and guidance to friends grappling with suicidal thoughts and emotional pain. Catherine's passion was to inspire and empower young people, helping them reach their full potential

Her story has inspired thousands and remains a source of inspiration for people to stay positive even when life drags them down. She encouraged and motivated teens and youth to be grateful for what they had and not to become victims of depression. She left her last WhatsApp status as ‘Live every moment’ asking us to value our time with our loved ones and enjoy what we love to do the most.

While Catherine was alive, she had a lasting vision of establishing a foundation to aid and support those in need. She desired to do so by understanding their pain in a personalized approach and helping them individually with customized and tailor-made provisions. Now, after Catherine has gone to her eternal abode, her parents Selvinson and Graciana, wish to take up this dream and make it a reality. Catherine Hope Foundation aims to assist and transform the lives of the underprivileged, provide a holistic development plan for the differently-abled, give medical aid to poor cancer patients who are undergoing treatment, and counsel people struggling with depression and any other impoverished citizens with dire needs. CHF will continue with an undaunting spirit, the inspirational legacy that Catherine has left behind in this world.