AUNT PLEADING FOR RETURN OF GIRL WITH VITAMIN AILMENT

Jean Chin almost broke into tears yesterday as she implored the
public for help in bringing her 5-year-old niece, who suffers from
rickets, a potentially life-threatening disease, home safely.

Describing Alana Livas as "easy to love," smart and "amazing," Chin,
22, said she's worried about the little girl, who could become
seriously ill if she isn't taken to hospital or brought home soon.

Livas was living with Chin and her fiance Derek when she was
allegedly abducted by her parents, Vivene and Peter Livas, last
November, during a visit supervised by the Children's Aid Society.

"It breaks my heart my heart to think of her in pain," Chin said at a
press conference yesterday. "We hope someone out there is watching
this and can help bring her home."

If untreated, rickets, a chronic deficiency of bone calcium and
vitamin D, could cause severe bone pain, growth impairment, muscle
weakness and affect heart function.

Livas, who was taken from her parents' custody last March after she
was found living in an alleged marijuana grow-op, had a two-month
store of vitamins in her system to shield against symptoms of the
disease.

Police are worried she isn't getting proper treatment.

Police believe Livas and her parents are still in Canada; they are
looking for a light blue GMC Jimmy.

But with few leads to follow, they're pleading with the public for
any tips on her whereabouts.

"If her parents are out there," Chin said, "I'd like for them to
please bring her to a hospital. I want them to think of Alana and
what's best for her."