Aurelia Patel: Toddler dies from life-threatening condition after attempt to raise funds on GoFundMe Ava BerrymanSound TelegraphMon, 1 December 2025 10:41AMCommentsCommentsEmail Ava Berryman
A Perth two-year-old who made headlines because of her family’s desperate fundraising hopes to treat her rare life-threatening condition overseas has sadly passed away.
Aurelia Patel’s Waikiki family had raised more than $100,000 of their $3 million goal to travel overseas for potentially life-saving treatment for her severe pulmonary hypertension.
On Monday morning, the toddler’s aunt Therese Butcher shared the terrible update that Aurelia has died.
“With unimaginable heartbreak, we share that our precious Aurelia passed away last night,” Ms Butcher said.
“Surrounded by love, she took her final breath wrapped in the arms and hearts of those who adored her. Our brave girl fought harder than any child ever should, and her light touched thousands who walked beside her on this journey.”
Aurelia was referred to end-of-life palliative care in October after the family was told there were no options left in Australia.
While a transplant wasn’t available to her in Australia as she was under four-years-old, two US hospitals had agreed to look at Aurelia’s case which would have put her on the waitlist for a new heart and lung.
“Aurelia is now free from pain. We take comfort knowing she is at peace, held by the ancestors and angels who came before her,” Ms Butcher said in the GoFundMe post.
“At this time, we gently ask for space and privacy as our family navigates this immense loss. We are completely shattered and need time to grieve, breathe, and be together.
“Fly high, beautiful girl. Forever our golden light.”
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