Krystel to perform at World Youth Day

Peninsula resident Krystel Keller is expected to perform in front of a crowd of 70,000 during World Youth Day celebrations, according to her manager Ms Cheryl Johnstone.

Krystel, 24, of Woy Woy, will perform in front of the crowd at Palm Grove Darling Harbour from 7pm on Friday, July 18.

She will perform on a barge in the middle of the water.

"Krystel Keller is a remarkable young woman who proves that life without sight can be turned into musical excellence," Ms Johnstone said.

"Krystel has often been described as having the 'voice of an angel'.

"Honoured to be invited to perform as part of the World Youth Day celebrations, Krystel regards the appointment as a culmination of years of hard work spent pursuing her dreams of becoming a major national singer-songwriter and public speaker.

"As Youth Ambassador for Children's Cancer Institute Australia and a 2005-2008 Australia Day Ambassador, Krystel has appeared before a variety of audiences from high-profile charity events such as Cricket Rocks and the Black and White Ball, the Melbourne Myer Music Bowl Carols by candle light, to schools, hospitals, corporate and media engagements.

"Currently on tour with her New Mountain to Climb public education initiative, Krystel has visited over 50 schools, hospitals and corporate engagements across the country."

When Krystel was six months old she was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma (cancer of the eyes), Ms Johnstone said.

By the age of two she had become completely blind.

"What makes Krystel remarkable is just how ordinary she views herself," Ms Johnstone said.

"This attitude is the key to her success as a speaker: she presents her extraordinary story so candidly that any young person facing life's challenges can relate to her.

"She reinforces the values of community spirit, tolerance and self-determination."

Press release, 10 Jun 2008 Cheryl Johnstone, Full Circle Events