Sadia

Sadia is a little girl from Bangladesh.  She was referred to us by Interplast Australia and was operated on at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide in late 2007.

Renowned surgeon Professor David David, AC led a 7 hour operation to help correct severe facial deformity and cleft pallet. The operation was a great success. Sadia’s eyes have been realigned, her nose reconstructed and her severe clef pallet repaired.

Sadia will need to return to Australia in a few years for further surgery and again when she is a teenager

Nimesha

Nimesha is from Sri Lanka. She was born with severe renal dysfunction and orthopaedic problems. Post surgery she has learnt to walk again, manage her condition and is back attending school.

Memoza

Memoza is from Albania, and first came to us more than two years ago unable to stand or lift a cup due to clubbing of her limbs and bone fragility. In order to gain mobility, Memoza had to endure painful surgeries were rods were inserted into her legs and feet. She also received special prosthetic splints to her arms to enable her to carry out simple tasks. She returned home able to walk. Recently, she returned to receive an infusion to strengthen her bones.

Hien

Hien is a fourteen year old boy from Vietnam. Diagnosed with Carney Complex, an extremely rare form of Cushings disease, he required surgery to remove his adrenal glands, and surely would have died if he hadn't been treated. This complex disease, which affects the heart, adrenal glands and testes, meant Hien's growth was stunted; he was swollen and suffered low self-esteem. During his stay he was also given a bone strengthening infusion to help him to grow. Although requiring ongoing daily medication, Hien will be able to return to Vietnam a happy teenager with a normal life expectancy.

Emai

Emai is a little girl from Papua New Guinea, who as a baby, suffered horrific and extensive burns to her face, head, neck and arm. After a number of plastic surgeries Emai can now hold her head up and smile.

Trishna and Krishna

The conjoined twin girls, Trishna and Krishna, whom the Foundation brought from Bangladesh in November, are doing well. They have now had two of a series of procedures on the journey to separation. They are currently on the ward at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and have Moira or a CFF volunteer with them at all times.

The Foundation would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved at RCH in the care of these beautiful girls.

We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of the public with money, gifts and other goodies for the girls flowing in.

We would specially like to thank Neil Mitchell at 3AW for his support and help with raising awareness of the girls’ plight. The Foundation is also grateful to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Fund, Mr Geoff Handbury AO, Mr Brian Sutton and another anonymous donor who have been extremely generous in giving almost $140,000 for the girls’ post-operative care and rehabilitation. We sincerely thank all those individuals who donated.

Jasone

Jasone was 8 when he came to Australia for cardiac surgery in late 2007. Jason had severe valve disease. When he arrived, his stomach was distended and he condition had become critical. After initial surgery to repair a valve in two different places, Jason had to undergo further restorative surgery.

After 8 weeks recovery, Jason has been able to return to The Philippines with a normal life expectancy and able to play with his seven brothers and sisters. A life certainly saved

Tatu

Tatu, from Tanzania, came to Australia to have her club feet corrected. This was extremely painful surgery and rehabilitation. After surgery she had to endure heavy cumbersome braces on her lower legs for some months and then splints. Tatu returned home after 18 months running, jumping, skipping and with excellent English.