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HAITIAN GIRL WITH 16 POUND TUMOR-LIKE GROWTH ON HER FACE TO UNDERGO FOURTH AND FINAL SURGERY

International Kids Fund raises money for the procedure

MIAMI (September 28, 2006) ? Marlie Casseus, the Haitian girl that arrived in Miami a year ago with a 16 pound tumor-like growth on her face, will undergo surgery on October 5th for the fourth and final time at Holtz Children?s Hospital on the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center.

During this last surgery, the medical team led by Jesús Gómez D.D.S., a maxillofacial surgeon from the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, will reconstruct Marlie?s lower face, reestablishing her jawbone and reducing the abnormal opening of her mouth allowing her to close it, swallow and speak.

?This operation will give Marlie a more structured face and will allow her to regain control of the normal functions of her mouth and jaw,? explained Dr. Gómez. The medical team will use a metal plate that can be molded, allowing them to rebuild the features of the girl?s lower face. This is expected to be Marlie?s last surgery in the near future. Dr. Gómez will keep monitoring her status to determine the next steps.

The International Kids Fund (IKF), the non-profit organization sponsoring her medical treatment continues to raise funds to help her. ?This has been a long journey for Marlie, but since arriving in Miami a year ago her life has taken a very positive turn. Thanks to the help of the community and people from around the world, Marlie is a happy girl desiring to live a normal and productive life. We are once again asking for your contributions to help us complete the mission,? stated María Luisa Chea, IKF director.

Last August Marlie returned to Haiti to visit her family, which was greatly impressed by the progress she has made, not only physically but emotionally. ?My daughter?s agony is almost over. After every operation she looks in the mirror, becomes excited and waves her hands to the sky thanking God. I will always be infinitely thankful to all those who helped us get to this point,? said Maleine Antoine while hugging her daughter.

Marlie?s growth was brought about by a rare genetic condition named polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, which is characterized by uneven growth, pain, brittleness and deformity of the affected bones. The growth first became evident six years ago and overcame Marlie?s nose and mouth, rendering her unable to eat, breathe or speak on her own. Only her eyes, nostrils and a tooth could be recognized from her severely swollen face. Since December 2005, the adolescent, with the help of IKF and donations from all over the U.S. and around the world, has undergone various surgeries to remove the tumor-like growth and reconstruct her face.

IKF?s fund raising campaign for Marlie?s fourth and last operation took place today during a news conference at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Present were: Marlie and her mother, Dr. Gómez and Maria Luisa Chea.

People interested in making a tax-deductible donation to IKF can mail their check or money order to:

International Kids Fund

Re: Marlie Casseus

P.O. Box 012297

Miami, FL 33101

Miami Phone: 305-585-5888

Toll Free: 1-877-IKF-KIDS (1-877-453-5437)

It is very important to include "Marlie Casseus" on your check or money order in order to allocate the funds properly.

Donations can also be made online by visiting www.internationalkidsfund.org.

For further information, potential donors may also write to info@internationalkidsfund.org.

About the International Kids Fund (IKF)

The International Kids Fund (IKF) at Holtz Children?s Hospital, a program of the Jackson Memorial Foundation, seeks to provide medical care to needy children from around the world who suffer from serious illnesses that cannot be treated in their countries. The fund ensures these children receive the best care possible at Holtz Children?s Hospital of the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, one of the nation?s premier teaching hospitals. For more information or to make a contribution, contact the International Kids Fund at:

P.O. Box 012297

Miami, FL 33101

1.877.IKF.KIDS

http://www.internationalkidsfund.org

info@internationalkidsfund.org