giving hope. making smil s 2010–2011 imagine

Just for a moment, imagine your child…

Our Mission ill, unable to walk or speak, unable to play, unable to go to school – ostracised by friends, family and community. To transform the lives of children who need “us most by giving them hope, exceptional care No hope of surgery and nothing you can do about it. and pathways to a brighter future. ” Now, imagine a chance for your child to be well, able to play, to participate in the world and live a full life.

Welcome to Children First Foundation.

principal sponsors

(Formerly Blake Dawson) Patrons and Board of Directors

Patron-in-Chief The Hon David de Kretser AC Governor of Victoria (to 7/4/2011) The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC Governor of Victoria (from 8/4/2011)

Patrons Dame Beryl Beaurepaire AC DBE Professor David de Kretser AC Mrs Jan de Kretser Mr Peter Mitchell AM A Message from the Chairman Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE Lady Marigold Southey AC and Chief Executive Officer Principal Ambassador Ms Rebecca Gibney Fifteen years ago, a young Melbourne woman named Moira Kelly We were delighted when the Governor of Victoria, the Hon Alex dreamed of a world where all children had access to excellent medical Chernov AC QC, agreed to be our Patron-in-Chief, following his Board of Directors Mr Noel Baker care when they needed it. Two years later, in 1999, Children First predecessor, Professor David de Kretser AC. Mr Chernov joins a Mr Peter Gilbert Foundation was established to help her achieve her dream. Since then distinguished list of patrons who have supported us for many years. Mr Shane Healy the lives of more than 400 children have been transformed through Moira Kelly AO has been both the inspiration and driving force our international program, ‘Miracle sMiles’. Our other main program, Mr Geoff Hone behind Children First. In the past two years, Moira’s primary focus ‘Between the Gaps’, was started in 2008 to assist the families of has been caring for formerly conjoined twins, Trishna and Krishna. Fr Peter Hudson disabled or chronically ill Australian children requiring financial In 2012, as well as continuing as a director, Moira is undertaking Miss Moira Kelly AO assistance for medical or developmental aids. a new role, joining Rebecca Gibney as a Principal Ambassador of Mr Roger Langley Giving Hope. Making Smiles recounts Children First’s work from 2010 Children First. The work of the Foundation is carried on by our and 2011. It takes you on the journeys of some of the extraordinary dedicated staff and volunteers. Mrs Margaret Smith children we have been able to help. In the following pages, we invite you to share the journeys of some Mr John Ward Our ‘Miracle sMiles’ children cannot have the complex surgery they of our children. We hope they will inspire you and make you smile require in their countries of birth, where the health systems are along with the children. rudimentary or non-existent. As you will see, it takes many people to transform the life of one child. Children First is fortunate to have the support of exceptional surgeons, hospitals and health practitioners, A life transformed all of whom provide first class medical care to these children. We are indebted to the many individuals who assist us behind the scenes, in Australia’s foreign embassies and consulates, in the Department of Immigration, representatives of support groups here in Australia and overseas, and our amazing team of volunteers who provide a strong family-style network of support for the children in our care. Geoff Hone Margaret Smith Chairman Chief Executive Officer/Director Our work is made possible by the generous financial and in-kind support of our wonderful sponsors and donors, many of whom have been part of the Children First family from its inception. Children First receives no government funding and is wholly reliant upon private, philanthropic and corporate support.

Read Martinho’s inspirational story on page 8

Joyanta, Issa, Asha, Kristian, Issa Samuela Tuan (Ti), 2, Sakshia, 2, Samuela, Maria, Trishna and returns home returns home arrives from arrives from Fiji for Krishna, were still in Australia to Tanzania to Fiji Vietnam for craniofacial surgery to complete their treatment craniofacial surgery FEB 2010 JAN 2010

2 3 Miracle sMiles Program bringing hope to families across the globe

Between the Gaps very child’s journey with Children First is different. It begins In the following pages you will meet some of the children who have because someone, somewhere in a developing country meets been helped by Children First’s ‘Miracle sMiles’ program over the past making it a little easier Ea child who touches their heart – a child who needs life-saving, two years and the many remarkable people and organisations who life-changing surgery. partner with us to make this possible. And that person then begins their own journey to find a way to make For all their differences in circumstance, illness or injury, each child a profound difference to the life of another human being. we help knows what it’s like to be different, to be in pain and unable esponding to the many financial challenges Australian families to live life as others can. Until now. can face when caring for a sick or disabled child, Children First Restablished the ‘Between the Gaps’ program in 2008. The program funds the portion of costs that are not funded by existing government sources or where families do not meet the prescribed strict criteria and therefore fall ‘between the gaps’. To be eligible for support, families must hold a health care card and funds are paid directly to the service providers to ensure the integrity of the program. Families are referred to Children First by hospital social workers, school nurses, special schools and other support agencies. Our financial assistance goes some way to ensuring that a child in need is not a child who has to go without. Eleven-year-old, Codie Dimech, is just one of the children helped by the ‘Between the Gaps’ program over the past two years. The variety of requests received, reflects the struggles many families Referred by her school, Ardeer Primary School, Codie has multiple face when a child becomes chronically ill or has a profound disability. disabilities and needs mobility aids to get around. Her much-needed As well as essential medical aids, Children First has provided vouchers new wheelchair would have been impossible, without the help for travel and accommodation for parents whose children need daily provided by Children First. monitoring at hospital; orthodontic braces for a child with cerebral Although the State-wide Equipment Program (SWEP) contributed palsy; and a blood monitor for a child with renal failure. $3,130 towards the total cost of $5,020 for equipment, her parents Making it a little easier for these families to care for their children is had to somehow find the rest. For many families, the cost of such what ‘Between the Gaps’ is all about – and when you see the wide aids can be an enormous drain which often means that a child will smile on the face of a child like Codie, you know that the support have to wait. is well worth it. Fortunately, in this instance Children First funded the gap of $1,890 and Codie is the proud owner of a brand new wheelchair and walker. In a beautiful hand-written letter to the Foundation, Codie writes, “I like to do what the other kids do. My new wheelchair and walker help me move around with them. I feel special because you are helping me – thank you.” In the past year, the number of applications we have received for ‘Between the Gaps’ support has increased significantly as the program has become more widely known amongst social workers and other referring agencies.

Panu, 20, Hour, 2, Isoa, 16, Noval, 4, Jerolyn, 1, Aldo, 5, Mark, 14, Mimoza, 13, Hour Tailua, 11, Sakshia Asha Event arrives from PNG arrives in arrives from Fiji arrives from arrives from PNG arrives from Indonesia arrives from arrives from returns home arrives from returns home has her first Annual Open Day for orthopaedic Chennai, India for orthopaedic Indonesia for for craniofacial for orthopaedic Albania for dental Albania for to Cambodia Samoa for plastic to Fiji operation at the Children surgery from Cambodia surgery craniofacial surgery treatment and maxillofacial continuing reconstructive First Farm for heart surgery surgery surgery orthopaedic surgery APR 2010 MAR 2010 surgery

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Panu working together enriches a life

lthough Papua New Guinea is only a 90 minute plane ride away Then over two long years, millimetre by millimetre, the cogs of a from Australia, it is a world away when it comes to the medical special steel frame pinned through the bones of his lower legs were Acare available to treat conditions that would be detected easily turned. Panu endured often excruciating pain as the angle of his legs and treated in the earlier years of an Australian child’s life. was slowly corrected. Panu Suga knows this only too well. Suffering from one of the most Throughout this ordeal, Panu’s wide smile and fun-loving nature meant severe cases of Blount’s disease orthopaedic surgeon John Griffiths had that he easily made friends with other children at the Children First ever seen, 19-year-old Panu could barely walk, such was the severity of Farm. He relished his role as the resident joker, as well as the chance his bowed legs. to learn some English and acquire new skills. “Whilst Blount’s disease, a progressive growth disorder of the legs, “Living at the Farm was an incredible experience for Panu. While the does occur in Australia, it would usually be detected at age three or surgery itself is life-changing, so too is experiencing life in a Western four and would be treated early with comparative ease. In developing nation, meeting so many people, living with children from other countries like PNG though, their health care systems are focused on countries, religions and cultures and learning new life skills. The whole the acute rather than prevention,” said John. experience is enriching.” “This means that when you go to a developing country, you’re often Now able to walk, kick a ball and even dance, Panu returned to his faced with untreated conditions that have become quite complex and home village in April 2011. On a recent visit to PNG, John had the occasionally daunting.” opportunity of seeing him in his own environment. John Griffiths began volunteering as a surgeon overseas in the late “It’s great to see that Panu’s made the transition back to his normal 1990s. After several years of doing this as an individual, he realised he life so well. Since he’d only completed a couple of grades of primary could achieve much more if he were to work as part of a team. school, he’s very keen to continue his education and has recently “Around this time, Cabrini Hospital had begun assisting Moira Kelly enrolled at school” said John. with children who were victims of the Bosnian war. I recognised that “I hope that this will enable him to find a satisfying job. I’m pretty together, with the sort of infrastructure that Cabrini and Children First confident – he’s a very motivated young man.” could offer, we’d be far more effective in helping the children I’d been seeing,” he said. “The logistics involved in bringing a child to Australia, particularly from a remote island village in PNG, are enormous. It requires a lot of expertise in dealing with the whole immigration network – just getting a child a passport can be a real challenge,” said John. That’s why, when John discovered Panu at a medical clinic at Madang General Hospital, he approached Children First to help bring him to Australia for surgery. “I think Children First is so impressive. From small beginnings, Moira and the Board have built a great organisation, attracting people who are so committed and diverse. For them, it’s not just a job. That really resonates with me.” With the help of generous donors, Perpetual Trustees and the Annemarie and Arturo Gandioli Fumagalli Foundation, Panu flew to Australia with his aunt, Hilda Shong in March 2010 to undergo the first of two surgeries to straighten his legs at Cabrini Hospital.

Panu Tuan (Ti) Jerolyn Event Event Bunnings Noval Aldo Jerolyn Akhtar, 14, Maria’s has his first returns home has her first Marian Leos’ Hidden Valley staff painting returns home returns home has her second arrives from School Formal surgery on one to Vietnam operation Charity Fashion Fun Run the Farm to Indonesia to Indonesia operation Bangladesh for of his legs Parade surgery MAY 2010 MAY JUNE 2010

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Martinho Modjeska a holistic approach to care chance of a bright future restored

raniofacial surgeon, Mark Moore, has met quite a few children frightening and isolating experience for them to be in Adelaide,” wenty-four-year-old Modjeska Estrada is an unlikely candidate What sort of future can Modjeska look forward to now? “Before her like eight-year-old Martinho Ronaldo during his years of said Sharon. for medical evacuation to Australia, given her age. surgery, Modjeska was treated as a social outcast. Her education had been interrupted and she was facing an uncertain future. With the Cvolunteering in clinics in Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) “We always try to connect the children and parents with their local T Yet, when she was discovered by plastic surgeon James Leong, and neighbouring Indonesian provinces. tumour gone and working towards a degree in accounting, she will community and in Martinho’s case, we were very fortunate to have whilst he was volunteering at an Interplast Australia clinic in The now be able to resume the life she’s worked so hard for,” said James. Martinho was born with a condition called a frontoethomoidal the support of the local Timor-Lesteese Citizens’ Association.” Philippines, it was clear that Modjeska required Children First’s help. encephalocele, which is a herniation of brain tissue and fluid from Modjeska also wants to share her good fortune with others and is “Our volunteers meet the child at the airport, attend every medical A bright young woman, Modjeska’s face was gradually being completely around the brain. This condition occurs throughout South-East Asia thinking of volunteering with Rotary in their medical missions when appointment, visit them in hospital, take them on outings when they distorted by an ameloblastoma, a rare tumour that develops in the jaw. and its cause is unknown. It results in a large protrusion through a she returns to the Philippines. are outpatients and generally try to be like an extended family while Although she was advised by a local physician to have the tumour hole in the bone of the forehead, between the eyes. removed in 2006, this was way beyond her family’s means. they’re in Adelaide. It is often a very hectic time when we are looking “It was clear that Martinho would be an excellent candidate for after a family here. It’s totally full-on and is both physically and The operation required would have cost in excess of 1 million pesos surgery with our craniofacial team here at the Women’s and Children’s emotionally tiring, yet incredibly rewarding. You know you are doing (approximately $23,000 AUD) in a country where the average monthly Hospital in Adelaide. The operation he needed could not have been something that truly makes a difference,” she said. In an operation wage is approximately 10,000 pesos ($900 AUD). performed in Timor-Leste and after assessing him, I was confident that lasting about three hours, Mark and his team removed the large Whilst Modjeska was employed in the accounting department of he would be able to live a normal life post-surgery,” said Mark. protrusion from between Martinho’s eyes, replaced the bone and a large company, her employer had given her the option to leave Funded by the South Australian Government and Children First, repaired the layers of skin, leaving him with a new face that would no because of the disfigurement created by the growing cystic mass Martinho and his mother, Elsa Sanchez flew to Australia in April 2011, longer provoke unkind taunts from others because he looked ‘different’. on her jaw. for his surgery in May. Both mother and son stayed at the Children In the Philippines, there is little tolerance for anything that deviates First Farm in Kilmore to acclimatise before journeying to Adelaide. “When we succeed with children like Martinho, it’s because we have a good team, people we can rely on to do what’s required, whether from the ‘norm’ in both appearance and physical ability. The Australian Craniofacial Unit in South Australia and Children First in surgery or in the important pre and post-operative care,” said Mark. As a breadwinner of her family of nine, this would have been disastrous established a relationship in 2007. Since then, medical specialists, and was yet another blow to a young woman who had already headed by Professor David David AC, and a passionate and dedicated “It’s essential that ours is a holistic approach to the care of a child. suffered considerably. In the intervening years, the mass had enlarged team of volunteers have provided expertise and support to children We know that the volunteers and Children First will ensure that a significantly, weighing more than one kilogram and affecting her ability and their parents when they are in Adelaide. child is being treated like a human being and that they will be to breathe and consume food. Sharon Murdock, who co-ordinates the volunteers, emphasised how supported with all the huge adjustments they experience – being As the tumour grew, so too did the complexity of any surgery that important the personal approach to a child’s care is, both inside and away from home and going through an operation in a strange and would be entailed. Modjeska required the sophistication of a outside the hospital. often overwhelming environment.” highly-skilled surgical team in a world-class facility. “Elsa and Martinho came from a very small village, did not speak “We are in essence, one big team – and the child’s family while they’re With the generous help of Rotarian Bruce Shaw of Berwick travel English and didn’t understand Western culture. It was a very in Australia.” Martinho returned home with his ‘new’ nose in 2011. agency Cruise and Travel, Modjeska and her mother, Cora, travelled to Australia for her life-changing operation in August 2011. Twelve hours of surgery followed, where 23cm of fibula bone from Modjeska’s leg was used to reconstruct her jaw. The operation was performed at Dandenong Hospital and, under the direction of James Leong, involved four surgeons, two hospital registrars, five anaesthetists and several nurses. “It was a complex operation where time was of the essence, given the size of the tumour and the impact it was having on Modjeska’s health. She had been suffering from chronic bleeding from the mouth due to ulceration which had also prevented her from eating properly. Without surgery she would have literally wasted away,” said James. “Usually dental implants would have been done in a second operation, however we decided to do this at the same time as we reconstructed her jaw, meaning that we could save two to three months,” he said. As she has slowly recovered at the Farm, Modjeska has since undergone significant dental work at the Alfred Hospital. Meanwhile, Children First has also ensured that she has been able to continue her education through Open Universities Australia, with Foundation sponsor Jacobs Australia generously donating a laptop to assist with her studies.

Joshua Isoa Jerolyn Trishna and Asha Lovely Isoa Tailua Akhtar Asha The Hon David Event arrives from Nauru has his first returns home Krishna’s has surgery returns home to has surgery returns home has his first has her second de Kretser AC, Eureka Towers with his mother operation to PNG mother Lovely Bangladesh to Samoa operation operation Patron-in-Chief Skydeck Breakfast Decalina for arrives for a visit and Mrs de Kretser craniofacial surgery visit the Farm AUG 2010 JULY 2010 JULY

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Paul Eman school children make two unlikely allies life-changing surgery possible come to a child’s aid

fter months of meticulous planning, the medical evacuation of Once in Jordan, the group travelled to Amman where Foundation young Palestinian girl, Eman Tabaza, hung in the balance when sponsor Emirates Airlines reassigned the group’s seats on a new flight, Athe Cairo uprising occurred in February 2011. after already showing enormous patience in altering flights several As one of a group of five Palestinian children coming to Australia for times in the preceding days. medical treatment, Eman was to travel from Gaza to Cairo for her Although it was a nerve-racking time for all involved, Margaret Smith flight with Emirates Airlines, when the Rafa border crossing was closed has nothing but praise for the Australian consul staff, the Israeli and because of security fears. Jordanian authorities, and gratitude to Emirates Airlines. This was Eman’s second trip to Australia, having received the first “We are so grateful that, even amidst a conflict, two countries can put of two life-changing operations to remove a bulging facial tumour aside their differences and do what is best for the sake of children who in 2004. She and the other children were being escorted by need medical treatment. It just shows that, when we put children first, Palestinian-Australian, Phillip Sacca and Lebanese-Australian Farah anything is possible,” she said. Mansour, both friends of the Foundation. There was a further complication in Eman’s already challenging With the clock ticking down to departure, the group was stranded journey. She is still waiting to have her craniofacial surgery after her and unable to leave Gaza. The next few days were a blur of frantic surgeon, Tony Holmes, discovered that she had a large nevus on her phone calls and emails as the pair sought to find an alternative safe back and defects in her spinal cord that would require surgery. route out of Gaza and across the Palestinian border. “After extensive consultation, Tony Pennington (Head of Plastic and omething that began as a simple school community project, “When the students met Paul, they all wanted to take him home,” Children First CEO Margaret Smith vividly recalls the phone call that Reconstructive Surgery at the Mercy) and I agreed that this should be collecting long-life milk for children at the Children First Farm said Glenda Hay. “The personal connection we’ve had with Paul has came at 2am one morning from Phillip. addressed prior to undertaking the surgery on her face. It was a pretty in Kilmore, grew into a commitment to change a life. been wonderful. While we support a lot of great causes at the school, S complex operation, given the size of the nevus and Tony needed to “Phillip was in Gaza in touch with the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Year 12 students from St Monica’s College, Epping, had no idea that the experience with Children First has been particularly rewarding. who was in turn in touch with the Israeli authorities, with everyone insert tissue expanders to enable more skin to be grown to repair the they would be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime when they The students can really see that what they’ve done has changed waiting to see what would happen. It was a very fluid situation,” wound,” said Tony Holmes. first visited Children First’s Farm in Kilmore, several years ago. someone’s life.” she said. “One of the problems we face here is our reliance on the medical Glenda says that the relationship with Children First will continue to “After meeting some of the children, the students wanted to do much more reports we receive about the children from their country of origin, grow. In fact, the current Year 12 students have already begun raising Meanwhile the Australian embassies in Tel Aviv and Amman were than simply collect milk. We were all delighted when we found it was which are often incomplete. It’s essential that we receive accurate money to sponsor another child, something they are aiming to do each busily negotiating with the Israeli and Jordanian authorities to waive possible to sponsor a child by raising money for their airfare,” said Glenda referrals – the worst thing would be to bring a child to Australia year. Would she encourage other schools to become involved with normal exit procedures and enable the children to exit Gaza via Erez Hay, Community Development Co-ordinator at St Monica’s College. whom you can’t help.” Children First? “Absolutely! The students really felt empowered by this and to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge, where they could then take a Three-year-old Paul Moimo from Papua New Guinea needed experience. It showed them that while one person may not be able to flight from the capital, Amman. “In Eman’s case, we now have a more complete picture of her overall life-changing surgery to operate on his clubfoot, a condition which do much, if we work together we can achieve a lot. Helping is not With less than 24 hours before their early morning departure, condition. She has recovered well from the operation on her back made walking both painful and awkward. According to orthopaedic hard – you can do it.” Phillip was advised that the children would now require new travel while at the Farm, which means we can now undertake the second surgeon, John Griffiths, although operating on clubfoot is routine in documentation. There followed a flurry of more emails, phone stage operation to further refine her nose.” Australia, such orthopaedic surgery is a luxury in Papua New Guinea. calls and nail biting, until miraculously, all was ready for the crossing “When I saw Eman again, I almost didn’t recognise her, she’d grown St Monica’s students pulled out all the stops to raise the $5,000 the next day. so much. She’s a real sweetie and with this final surgery, there’s no needed for Paul’s airfare, by baking, icing and selling cupcakes “It was a pretty harrowing journey in small buses across the border reason why she can’t have a normal life,” said Tony. for the 1,800 students at both school campuses. managed by Hamas, on to the Palestinian Authority border, then the Eman is already thinking of her future and has some big plans. They then engaged the interest of the local primary school, Israeli border – with the children having to get on and off each time. “I’d like to be like Moira and start a foundation to help children making and selling even more cupcakes at their ‘cupcake day’. Phillip and Farah were then taken to Tel Aviv with the Australian in China. I know I can do it if I work hard,” she says. That’s a lot of cupcakes! Consul to get official documentation while the children went by With the $5,000 raised, Paul flew to Australia and bus direct to the Allenby Bridge to wait. Documentation eventually was operated on by John Griffiths and his orthopaedic in hand there was a fast drive to the Allenby Bridge and although it team at Cabrini Hospital. While Paul didn’t say much, had been officially closed for some time, the group was allowed to he certainly won many hearts at the Farm and at go through to be met by the Australian Consul to Jordan on the St Monica’s with his bravery, smiles and big brown eyes. other side,” said Margaret.

Panu Isoa Asha Genesys working Event Event has surgery returns home is fitted with bee at the Farm Open Garden Australian All Star on his other leg to Fiji her prosthetic leg in Eltham Cheerleading Championships OCT 2010 SEPT 2010

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Isoa a big heart heals a fractured hip

Akhtar gunshot wound an unlikely path to a better life

aught in the crossfire of an armed uprising in Dhaka in February Happily, the operation was successful and Akhtar has regained full oing a 360° spin out on a bike doesn’t usually result in surgery the hip (this is critical) then ran a plate across to his pelvis,” he said. 2009, 14-year-old Akhtar Hossain nearly died when a high use of his arm and with that, a new lease on life. in a foreign country, yet for young Fijian boy Isoa Batiyaka, “He’s done really well and has healed nicely.” Cpowered bullet shattered his right upper arm and chest. “During his time in Australia, he learned a little English and was also Dthat’s precisely what happened. Having worked with Children First for about 10 years, Leo understands As the sole breadwinner for his family of eight, Akhtar had been exposed to some of the possibilities life has to offer. He is a very Fracturing his left hip when he came off his bike at the age of 13, that he can make a big difference to the lives of the children he treats. selling tea outside the Bangladeshi Rifles Headquarters when a decent and determined person who deserves a chance to make Isoa was unable to bear weight on his legs and had to be carried by “I know that I can offer them the help that others can’t. We try to be mutiny took place. Several civilians and 54 army officers were killed something of his life,” said Atom. his father for 12 months. He was also unable to attend school. very careful that the kids we help will benefit from a single and major in the uprising. Since his return to Bangladesh in 2010, Atom has taken Akhtar under Isoa’s predicament came to the attention of an Australian family, intervention that will set them up for life. Sometimes that’s difficult, While injured army officers were well looked after by their government, his wing, providing him with a job and a chance to learn new skills in the Cricks, who had been sponsoring a child in Fiji for many years. as we have to rely on incomplete information when we are assessing Akhtar received limited medical care and was left in constant pain, the technical side of his fabric business, whilst also giving him a home. It transpired that this child, who had since grown up and had family them for surgery,” says Leo. unable to lift his arm more than a few centimetres. “I’m pleased to give Akhtar this opportunity – he’s hardworking and of her own, was Isoa’s mother. “It’s also a very personal process because you get to know them pretty The incident was widely reported in the national newspapers and hopefully this will make a difference to his future. It’s up to him now.” Upon learning of Isoa’s accident two years after it occurred, the Cricks well. The way they change during their time here is quite profound – Akhtar’s plight came to the attention of Australian Bangladeshi flew to Fiji to assess the situation. Realising that he needed surgery from being frightened and unsure to becoming confident and positive that could not be performed in his home country, but unsure of how about their future.” businessman and humanitarian, Atom Rahman, and his wife Riaa, to go about organising a medical evacuation, grandson Brad Crick who contacted Children First. Atom is also the co-guardian of twins, Leo emphasises that it’s a team approach that makes it all happen. contacted Children First for help. Trishna and Krishna. “I’m really fortunate to have great hospitals like the Mercy, where It is only because of the outstanding generosity of top-flight surgeons surgical facilities and care were donated, and excellent anaesthetists “When I read about Akhtar’s situation, I thought it was so unfair. who give freely of their time and expertise that Children First can help like Tony Tan who always say yes too. I couldn’t do what I do without Here was a young man with his life ahead of him, yet without proper children like Isoa. them and also, without the whole package that Children First provides. treatment, his life would be over. No-one would ever employ him It just wouldn’t be possible,” says Leo. and he would have ended up begging on the street,” said Atom. One such surgeon is Professor Leo Donnan, an orthopaedic surgeon who, when asked if he can help, always says ‘yes’. Now 18 years old, Isoa went home to Fiji in March 2012, walking taller “In Bangladesh, it’s a case of survival of the fittest. There’s no support and with a lighter step. He now plans to study either journalism or law for people with a disability, no help if you are poor.” Whilst Isoa was able to walk when referred to Children First in 2010, he had a significant limp due to the 5cm shortening of his left leg. once he completes high school, and is excited about the future. With the support of Children First, Atom arranged for Akhtar to Without appropriate treatment, he was also starting to experience “I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helped me – Professor Donnan, come to Australia for surgery at Cabrini Hospital under the care of back pain and it was likely that he would have developed post the Foundation and Pat at the Farm – he really makes me laugh,” orthopaedic surgeon, John Griffiths and his team. Reconstructing his traumatic arthritis. said Isoa. right shoulder was not easy, particularly as the nerves and muscle had “The kids we help are tough – they often have to be, and Isoa was no been wasting away for the 18 months since the injury had occurred. exception. He’s an active young man in a country where he has to be “Akhtar showed great determination throughout his ordeal. Once he strong, so we had to find a solution that would allow him to live this realised what was required of him, he was very motivated in his sort of life,” said Leo. rehabilitation as are many of the children I see. They recognise what “Isoa needed two procedures, including a hip fusion which is not often a wonderful opportunity both the surgery and their stay in Australia done, and then lengthening of his left leg. During the hip fusion, we offer,” said John Griffiths. dislocated his hip, removed the cartilage, very carefully repositioned

Celebration of the Akhtar Gerald, 8, Joshua Event Trishna and Gerald Christmas Cookie, 22, Ghezel, 2, first year of Trishna returns home arrives in Chennai, returns home Children First Gala Krishna’s Returns home celebrations arrives from arrives in Chennai, and Krishna’s to Bangladesh India, from to Nauru Ball “Under the 4th birthday, to Tanzania at the Farm Pakistan for India, from Iraq separation is held at Tanzania for Crimson Sun” their first since craniofacial review for heart surgery St Patrick’s Cathedral heart surgery being separated JAN 2011 DEC 2010 NOV 2010

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Trishna and Krishna the untold story

While much has been written about the extraordinary journey of twins Trishna and Krishna, we share here the untold story of these two brave little girls and some of the exceptional people who helped to transform their lives.

hen you consider the odds against Trishna and Krishna To ensure that the girls would have easy access to the Royal Children’s surviving, let alone thriving as they are today in Melbourne, Hospital and professional volunteer support, Moira and Maria Wit’s pretty staggering. Yet, thanks to the intervention, (an assistant from Bangladesh) moved with the girls into the perseverance, expertise, care and love of many people, their truly Foundation’s premises in North Melbourne. amazing story has its happy ending. In the ensuing weeks and months as they underwent gruelling tests Born by caesarean section to Lovely and Kartik Mollick in November and surgeries, Moira and the extraordinary team of volunteers cared 2006 in Bangladesh, Trishna and Krishna were conjoined at the head, for the girls around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. and after some weeks at home, were becoming very ill. Placed by their Their commitment and dedication to the twins through the many long parents into the care of the Sisters of Charity nuns at a children’s home and often emotionally draining hours is truly outstanding. The vigilance in Dhaka, the girls’ future was very bleak. required to ensure the girls maintained optimum health throughout However, fate intervened in the form of two young Australians, their many ordeals was enormous and absolutely essential in Danielle Nobel and Natalie Silcock, and Australian Bangladeshi, Atom preventing any life-threatening infections. Rahman, who had been acting as Children First’s representative in Moira, Atom and his wife, Riaa, and other volunteers lived and Bangladesh for some time. Through the offices of the then Australian breathed every procedure the girls went through, providing empathy High Commissioner to Bangladesh a plan began to develop. and love in bucket-loads. The Foundation has been incredibly fortunate to have relationships When the twins were successfully separated, on 17 November after 37 with passionate and like-minded people like Atom in many of the long hours, none were more relieved than Moira, Atom and all of us developing countries whose children need our help. at Children First who had shared their journey, every step of the way. Our representatives often provide the first point of referral to the Today, Trishna is thriving after starting kinder in 2011, and whilst Foundation and play a critical role in arranging the myriad details for Krishna continues to face many challenges, she is overcoming them a child’s medical evacuation to Australia. one-by-one. It was clear to Atom that Trishna and Krishna required overseas We offer our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible people who have assessment and treatment if they were to survive. It was also obvious made their new lives possible. to him that the logistics involved in undertaking such a journey For now, the girls remain in Australia on a medical visa under the required the expertise of Children First. auspice of Children First. After alerting us to the girls’ situation, there followed months of (Visit www.childrenfirstfoundation.com for a full account of their negotiation and planning for their medical evacuation to Australia. journey to separation) Under the care of Atom and Moira, who were appointed co-guardians of the twins by the Sisters of Charity, Trishna and Krishna finally arrived in Melbourne in November 2007.

Suhail, 14, Belal, 20, Mohammed, 14, Eman, 16, Abdullah, 3, Asha Ghezel Event Belal Suhail Nikii, 10, Joyanta Event Event Event arrives from arrives from arrives from arrives from arrives from returns home returns home Genesys Pro-cycle has surgery has surgery arrives from returns home Genesys Indian Arts Lucky Kids Walk Palestine Palestine for Palestine for Palestine for Palestine for to Tanzania to Iraq team in PNG to begin to Bangladesh Pro-cycle team Acadamy Tamil for further further surgery further orthopaedic further craniofacial review of his Melbourne and treatment in Tasmania Music maxillofacial for burns surgery surgery orthopaedic Genesys working FEB 2011 surgery surgery bee at the farm MAR 2011

14 15 The first time you enter the Children First Farm at Kilmore, usually through the huge, warm kitchen, two things immediately strike you – the feeling of love that permeates the atmosphere, and the happy sounds of children at play.

stablished in 1999 as a home away from home for children They take the children to their hearts – basically, you can’t do this preparing for and recovering from surgery, the Farm is a job unless you do. And we couldn’t do what we do without the Esanctuary, a place of rest, calm, and nurturing. volunteers, they give so much – seven days a week.” It is also a mini ‘United Nations’ – a place that embraces the diversity Consider for a moment what is required to care for one sick child, The Farm of the family who lives there – the cultural, ethnic, religious and perhaps your own. As they’re preparing for a major operation, they gender differences of the children who are brought together because are anxious, needing your love and emotional support. the heartbeat of Children First of their shared need for transformative surgery. They then require around the clock care following the surgery, possibly Under the caring, watchful and compassionate eyes of Farm managers, total bed-rest for weeks afterwards, along with nutritious food, clean Pat Weldon and Justine Barlow, the children share the many tasks of clothes, entertainment, pain relief and trips for medical appointments. running a large home, keeping their bedrooms tidy, folding clothes and washing the dishes. Multiply that many times over, add in the fact that you may also need For many, it’s an enormous learning curve, adjusting to the everyday to accommodate and support parents or guardians who are also things that we simply take for granted in Australia. frightened, with little English and experiencing a degree of culture shock, and you have some idea of the enormous challenges the staff “Many of the children have not slept in a bed before and we often find them in the morning lying on top of their bedding on the floor. and volunteers at the Farm experience each day. Equally, they may not have used a toothbrush, so we need to teach Michelle Lyons has been volunteering at the Farm for over three years, them how to clean their teeth. We’ve learned that we should never working there two nights per week and one weekend each month. assume things,” says Pat. With grown children of her own, Michelle really empathises with the “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Farm and it’s really amazing how children’s parents, many of whom are not able to accompany their much they give of themselves, way beyond what is asked of them. children to Australia.

Panu and Nikii Isaac, 4, Martinho, 5, Elvin, 22, Martinho Abdullah Cookie Event Kylie, 8, Roberta, 12, Dr John Harvey Lydia, 5, Suhail and Event Event Cabrini staff return home arrives from Kenya arrives from arrives from PNG travels from returns home returns home La Porchetta arrives from suffers burns at from Westmead arrives in Chennai, India Belal Dimension Data McCallum take the to PNG with his mother, Timor-Leste with with her mother, Melbourne to to Palestine. to Pakistan party for Vanuatu with her her home in Fiji. Hostpital flies from Uganda for heart return home hosts our Golf Day children on Caroline, for his mother, Elsa, Linte, for heart Adelaide for Will return to children at mother, Lissing, Children First to Fiji to assist surgery. Sadly, Lydia later to Palestine Volunteer an outing assessment for craniofacial surgery craniofacial Australia when the Farm for orthopaedic and ROMAC with Roberta’s passed away after contracting Recognition APR 2011 surgery surgery he’s older 2011 MAY surgery combine to help treatment an unrelated illness. night

16 17 18 • Carey Grammar•LaMannaDirect •MonivaeCollegeStMonica’s College,Epping • AssumptionCollege • Alburyteachersgroup dePaul•BillanookCollege • StVincent • FranklinElectricKilmore Bakery•BunningsStPatrick’s PrimarySchool,Kilmore • AustralianFoodGroup •LaMannaFresh FruitandVeg •RotaryTSLManchester Thank youtoourgenerous FarmSponsors: The Farm the Farm,Patisoptimistic. When askedwhatthechildren takeawayfrom theirexperienceat time, thatit’s hard forthemtoimagineadifferent life,”hesays. well. Sooftentheyhavebeenostracisedandstared atforsuchalong with thechildren, forthemtobelievetheycanbehelpedandmade Pat concurs,“Oneofthebiggestchallengesforusisbuildingtrust you hearthechildren refer totheFarmashome.” confidence, youbegintoseetheperson.It’s agreat feelingwhen “Seeing thekidssettlein,they’re unsure atfirst,then,astheygain them throughout itall,”saysMichelle. While wecan’t replace theirparents, wecantrytoreally bethere for through thetraumaofsurgerymakesyourealise howscaryitcanbe. environment withpeoplewhotrulycare. Seeingmyownkidsgo operation andIcouldn’t bethere, I’dlikethemtobeinafamily-like “If mychildr JUNE 2011 surgery has maxillofacial Kristian en were goingtoanothercountryhaveamajor

to Kenya returns home Isaac

to PNG returns home Elvin

Children First supporting Sisterhood – of ThePriceline National launch

because youhavetosaygoodbyesomeoneyou’vegrown tolove.” best becauseyouknowthey’llhaveamuchbrighterfuture, andtheworst, “The dayachildgoeshomeisthebestandworstofyourlife– they can,”saysPat. in theworldwhocare aboutandhelpotherpeople,justbecause other cultures andalsotheknowledgethatthere are manypeople somelife-skills,anappreciation“Hopefully theyhavelearned of Patron-in-Chief and Childrenof Victoria First completed histermasGovernor Professor DaviddeKretser has Patron-in-Chief and becomesChildren First ofVictoria appointed governor The HonAlexChernov, ACQC,

really makeallthedifference,” saysAnne. that mayrefer children whoneedourhelp.Therelationships wehave “My role includesestablishingrelationships withvariousorganisations Marina andAnne. and organisationsbothinAustraliaoverseasisessentialfor Nurturing andmaintaininggoodrelationships withkeyindividuals so on.Itsoundsalotsimplerthanitisinreality,” shesays. the documentation,includingpassport,medicalvisa,traveland then organisingahospital.From there, itisamatterofarrangingall “Once wereceive areferral Istartworkingonfindingasurgeon, I knowthem.” happen, drivenbythedesire toseethemhelped.Ievenfeelasthough “When theyfinallyarrive,IfeellikeI’veworkedhard tomakesomething Marina, whoalsooperatestheFoundation’s MedicalRegister. International “The complexityoforganisingamedicalevacuationisenormous,”says obstacles whichthreaten toprevent themfrom coming,”saysMarina. upon thecircumstances. Inthattime,Imayhavehadtofacemany “It cantakeseveralmonths,evenyearstobringoutachild,depending transformative surgery. the medicalevacuationofachildfrom overseastoAustraliafor They are thepeoplewhoundertakeenormoustaskoforganising in theirdaytoworkascasemanagerswithChildren First. and AnneEsposito,whobytheirownadmission,wearmanyhats A Behind theScenes V make adifference toachild’s life.We thankthemall. Many wonderfulpeoplegivetheirtime,energybutmostofallloveto Volunteers First isagreat charity.” you wanttocontributeandthisissomethingthatIcando.Children She isverystraightforward aboutherworkwiththeauxiliary. “Inlife, and generallykeepingeverythingrunningsmoothly. shopping centres, writingherregular newsletter, fixingandmending Gerry isapowerhousewhenitcomestoorganisingtherosters forthe the yearswithwomenIworkwith,”shesays. “I enjoyworkingwithpeopleandhavemadesomegreat friendsover dollars towards thecostsoflife-changingsurgeryformanychildren. Over theyearsLabourofLoveauxiliaryhasraisedthousands 50 ofuswhoare drawnfrom allover, includingTasmania,” saysGerry. in shoppingcentres toraisefundsforChildren First.There are atleast “We are agroup ofladieswhoknit,crochet, sewandthensellourwork something sheloves. JULY 2011 a matterofbeingabletomakemeaningfulcontributiondoing Lamers whoistheconvenorofLabourLoveauxiliary, it’s olunteers are thelifebloodofChildren First.Formany, likeGerry Foundation runssmoothly. Two oftheseare MarinaTe Maro dedicated administrativeteamensures thebusinessof t theChildren Firstofficeasmallbut inNorthMelbourne to Timor-Leste returns home Martinho

operation has hisfirst Mohammed

assessment Albania, forcardiac Chennai, Indiafrom Ardian, 20arrivein Visar, 11, and

• JudyBalloch • JenniferFarrell • FionaLangley • FarahMansour • ChoedenTenzin generous supportwasacknowledgedin2010and2011. We thankthefollowing volunteers whosefiveyearsof with theirlives,makesallthehard workandeffort worthwhile.” the satisfactionofseeingthemreturn homeandbeabletogeton undergo surgeryandliveattheFarm issuchaprivilege.Thenhaving “Being abletoseethechildren changeinwardly andoutwardly asthey about therewards itoffers. Both MarinaandAnneare passionateabouttheirworkandagree wonderful andgenerous peopleoutthere,” saysAnne. whileworking here“One thingIhavelearned isthatthere are many the manyvolunteerswhooffer theirsupporttotheFoundation. responsible forthe‘BetweenGaps’program andco-ordinating As wellasherworkwiththe‘MiraclesMiles’program, Anneis Etihad Stadium the children at Kangaroos FChost North Melbourne

• SaraPantaleo • SallyHolden • RhondaRoss • MichelleMotee • MerrynMaher

• W • W • T • SelmirGusto erry Yarnall endy Yarnall ilma Chandra

19 2010 and 2011 Events • Lucky Kids Walk • Annual Farm Open Days • Eureka Towers Sykdeck Breakfast • Marian Leos’ Fashion Parade • Under the Crimson Sun Gala Ball • Lunch for a Child SA • A Date at the Diner Gala Ball • Tamil Trinity Festival • Oaks Day Lunch at Kilmore Trackside • Open Garden Event • Hidden Valley Fun Run • Australian All Star Cheerleading Championships • La Porchetta Events • Christmas Projects • Cummings Flavel McCormack Golf Days • Genesys Pro-cycle Team Events extraordinary events for extraordinary children • Blokes and Sheds Tour • Genesys Business Events • Volunteer Recognition Night • Camel Trek

From golf days to gala balls, bike rides to fun runs – fundraising events provide the opportunity to share our story with friends and supporters while adding much needed funds to the Children First coffers. Thanks so much to all who contributed to the success of these events during the past two years.

Camels help children come first

hile Children First receives many offers of help, the Arriving in Melbourne 18 months later on 22 November 2009, Russell proposition put by Russell Osborne was by far the most and Ros were met by Moira at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where W unusual, involving a herd of camels and a trek from she’d been at the bedside of twins Trishna and Krishna who’d been Darwin to Melbourne. separated only a week earlier. Aptly named the “Walk for the spirit of hope”, Russell and his partner In a journey that had taken them through the Northern Territory, Ros planned to trek with eight camels some 6,500 kilometres across Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, the continent from north to south to raise money for the Foundation. they’d raised a remarkable $30,000 for the Foundation. Preparing for this journey 11 years earlier and knowing nothing about After a final trek to Kilmore, the camels and their companions enjoyed camels, Russell captured and tamed a herd of wild camels, then a well-earned rest at the Farm, much to the delight of the children convinced his partner Ros to accompany him on this wild journey who were able hear of their adventures first-hand. through some of Australia’s most arid country. The trek left Darwin on Easter Sunday 2008. While they experienced extreme conditions, along the way Russell and Ros also inspired many people in the towns they visited with their stories of the journey, the bush and the children they were trying to help.

Micheline, 9, Modjeska, 24, Paul, 3, Visar and Cabrini and Event Event Miss World Isoa Abbas, 15, Paul Eman Maria Mohammed Yousif, 11 Mimoza arrives from arrives from The arrives from PNG Ardian Priceline staff Inaugural ‘Lunch Genesys Australia returns from arrives in has surgery has her first has craniofacial has a second arrives from Iraq has surgery Vanuatu with her Philippines with her with his aunt, return home visit the children for a Child’ is Pro-cycle team contestants Fiji for stage 2 Chennai, India operation surgery operation for craniofacial mother, Florina, mother, Cora, for Regina, for to Albania at the Farm held in Adelaide in Albury visit the children surgery from Iraq for surgery for review of surgery to remove orthopaedic at the Farm heart surgery AUG 2011 burns to her face a facial tumour surgery SEPT 2011

20 21 Program Partners world-class expertise and care

Children First is very fortunate to have the support of some of Australia’s leading hospitals which, driven by their own commitments to social justice, donate their world-class surgical facilities for our ‘Miracle sMiles’ program. These relationships are critical to the success of the program. The children we help often need complex and sophisticated surgery which requires the expertise and infrastructure of large medical institutions.

“Our relationship with Children First is a key expression of our mission, Children First sincerely thanks each of the following based on a strong tradition of care of the poor and most vulnerable,” medical institutions and their staff for their support Medical Professionals says Gerard Smith, Director of Mission at St Vincent’s and Mercy and continued commitment to making a profound Private Hospital. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank the exceptional surgeons, specialists and health professionals difference to the lives of the children we help. “In an age where you can put a price on everything, we know that whoThank together, have wroughtYou ‘miracles’ in the lives of these children over the past two years. compassion is not something that you can simply package. It’s too easy to only value things in terms of what something costs, rather than the • The Alfred Hospital • Melbourne Pathology Each is incredibly busy, totally dedicated to their profession and has a heart of gold. All of them work difference you can make,” he says. • Australian Craniofacial • Memorial Hospital Adelaide with Children First because they know they can make a difference to the quality of a child’s life. “Children First does this work so well. We can be extremely confident Unit Adelaide • Mercy Private • Assoc Prof Peter Anderson • Professor David David AC • Dr Ian Hewson • Dr Rob McDougall that they will provide all the emotional, cultural and practical support • Cabrini Health • MIA Victoria that these children need whilst they are here, enabling us to focus on • Mr Andrew Broadhurst • Dr Andrew Davidson • Professor Anthony Holmes • Dr Ian McKenzie • Cabrini Hospital, Brighton • OAPL what we do best,” says Gerard. • Mr Ian Carlisle • Assoc Prof Leo Donnan • Dr Ian Holten • Ms Beth McNeish • Cabrini Hospital, Malvern • Royal Children’s Cabrini Health is also a long-standing program partner of Children • Mr K M Cherian • Mr Richard Fejer • Dr Denise Lawry • Mr Mark Moore First. Through their medical evacuation program, they have provided • Dandenong Hospital Hospital, Brisbane • Mr David Chong • Dr Vincent Gallichio • Mr James Leong • Mr Gary Nattrass pro bono surgical facilities for many children requiring complex • Epworth Healthcare • Royal Children’s • Dr Geoff Clarke • Mr Angus Gray • Ms Bernie and Mr Paul Lew • Dr Sean Nicklin procedures over the past two years. • Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Hospital, Melbourne • Ms Heather Cleland • Mr Andrew Greensmith • Dr Gail Littlejohn “Our mission is to look out and care for those who are underprivileged Chennai, India • St John of God, Bendigo • Mr Mike O’Brien • Mr Andrew Cochrane • Mr John Griffiths • Dr Lionel Lubitz or at risk. The partnership with Children First enables us to offer our • Kilmore Hospital • St Vincent’s Hospital • Mr Minoo Patel medical expertise to vulnerable children who would otherwise have • Mr Chris Coombs • Assoc Prof John Harvey • Ms Wirginia Maixner • Knox Private Hospital • Sydney Children’s Hospital • Assoc Prof Beth Pennington little hope,” said Kate Barker, Manager of Cabrini Health’s Social • Dr John Crock • Dr Andrew Heggie • Mr David McCombe • Assoc Prof Anthony Outreach Program. • Linacre Private Hospital • Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide Pennington Cabrini Health’s commitment to the children also extends beyond the • Dr Jamie Robertson hospital walls. Each year, hospital staff organise a variety of activities • Dr John Robinson for the children living at the Farm. Relationships “Our staff members love spending time with the children. Recently we • Dr Tony Tan • Interplast organised a ‘big day out’ to the MCG where staff met the bus when it • Mr Ian Torode • ROMAC came from the Farm at Kilmore. We aim to give them four or five • Dr Anita Vinton outings a year,” said Kate. • Ms Robyn Wallace “We involve staff from all over the hospital – from finance, engineering • Dr Fiona Wood AM and catering, as well as nursing staff. It gets them out of their comfort zone and they realise that the medical care we take for granted is out • Ms Carol Woolcock of the reach of these children. They find it very rewarding,” she said. • Ms Allison Wray

Event Trishna and Abbas The children Paul Event Event Event The children The Annual Krishna’s returns home attend the Rotary returns home Children First Gala Indian Fine Arts Open Garden attend the Oaks Open Day is mother, Lovely, to Iraq cricket game at to PNG Ball “A Date at the in Hawthorn Day lunch at held at the arrives to visit the Hume and Diner” is held, at supporting Kilmore Trackside Farm the girls Hovell ground which the children Children First OCT 2011 NOV 2011 are VIPs

22 23 Thanks

We gratefully acknowledge the support of all our generous donors, in particular our principal sponsors listed inside the front cover and the following major donors: they have each helped transform the lives of the children you have met in this publication.

Individuals and Businesses Mr & Mrs William and Eileen Doyle Trusts and Foundations Allround Recycling Pty Ltd Mr Christopher Harris Annemarie and Arturo Gandioli Fumagalli Foundation AXA Australia Mr Graham W Burke BHP Billiton, Matched Giving Program Boom Properties Pty Ltd Mrs Suzanne Campbell Collier Charitable Fund Bunnings Shepparton Ms Irene Avram Community Enterprise Foundation C Waugh Murray Projects Gordon Brothers Charitable Fund Cabrini Health Nancy Vogel Kenneth and Myrtle Topliss Charitable Foundation Carey Baptist Grammar School Patrick, Ivana, Anthony and Hannah Newman’s Own Foundation Country Women’s Association Crabb Old Firm International Dr Alan Reid Priceline Perpetual Trustees Limited Dr Geoffrey Clarke Ramsay Health Care The Scobie and Claire Mackinnon Trust Famous Four Pty Ltd Rev Father J Ware WCF Thomas Charitable Trust Fresh State Limited Rotary Club of Horsham East Genesys Wealth Advisers Rotary Club of Preston Helping Hand Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell Holt & Macdonald Pty Ltd Seven Network Limited Jacobs E&C Australia Pty Ltd St Monica’s College, Epping Labour of Love auxiliary Summit Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Symbion Pharmacy Services Lions Club, Melbourne Markets Inc TAG Financial Pty Ltd Marion Leo Group The Standard, Warrnambool Mastery Co-operative Ltd Thick as Thieves Pty Ltd McCallum Charity Golf Day Ward McKenzie Pty Ltd Mr & Mrs Dowel WWW Projects The Future Mr & Mrs Noel and Kate Doyle Yarra Valley Conference Centre more children need our help

hilst we celebrate the many amazing transformations in “There is a tremendous reward for all involved when you can make the lives of the children we’ve helped, we are ever mindful a positive impact on a person’s life,” he said. Wof the many children who are still waiting for their own As we look towards the future, we will continue to nurture our How to Help ‘miracle smile’. One little boy, four-year-old Steven from the Highlands relationships with our valued program partners and share our vision of Papua New Guinea, has been waiting for more than a year. with our generous donors and sponsors. come on your own journey Steven suffered severe burns after crawling into a fire as a baby: as the We will work towards expanding our network of representatives in burns healed, the scar contractures have prevented him from standing the home countries of the children who need us, and growing our or walking upright, forcing him to hobble around bent over. relationships with leading medical institutions across Australia. We learned of Steven’s plight in 2010 but due to the remote location While many of the children we help have suffered the hurt of prejudice f, like us, you’ve been inspired and challenged by the children perseverance, patience and an enormous team of like-minded and of his village we lost touch with him. Happily though, after much and ignorance, being in Australia has allowed them to enjoy complete you’ve read about, there are many ways you can become involved passionate people, both here and overseas. determined searching, we finally located him at the end of 2011 acceptance regardless of their disability or injury. Iin changing a child’s life. It also requires a significant financial investment to care for and and welcomed Steven and his mother Christina to the Farm to We believe that Children First has a particular responsibility in promoting Whether you would like to volunteer your time, make a donation from nurture each child before, during and after their surgery. prepare for surgery. understanding and acceptance of difference. This continues to be your salary, encourage your employer to partner with us or make a Without exception, every person who is involved in transforming the Plastic surgeon Chris Coombs, who has been working with us for over central to the work we do and the relationships we have. donation of goods or services, your support is vital. lives of these children knows the enormous satisfaction of making a a decade, will operate on Steven in 2012 and enable him to walk again. Although our organisation is small, the energy, commitment and hearts Enabling a child to travel to Australia for life-changing and life-saving profound difference, one that touches their hearts. Mr Coombs and his team will graft muscle and skin from Steven’s of all who are involved are very great indeed. Together, we look surgery is an often lengthy and complex process. It requires abdomen onto the burnt area of his hip. He expects that in a short forward to bringing many more ‘miracle smiles’ to the faces of other time Steven will be moving freely. special children in the coming year. Steven’s surgery will be at Cabrini Brighton and all surgery and hospital services will be provided free of charge. “We are so fortunate that our hospitals are willing to donate their To begin your journey with us facilities to change the lives of these kids,” Mr Coombs said. please phone 1800 99 22 99

Mark Mimoza Steven, 4, Micheline Trishna and Krishna Eman, Isoa, Kristian, or visit our website returns home to returns home arrives from PNG returns home celebrate their 5th Kylie, Maria, Modjeska, Albania, to return to Albania for surgery on to Vanuatu Birthday Mohammed, Steven, and to Australia in burn scars Yousif remain in Australia www.childrenfirstfoundation.com 2012 for continuing treatment DEC 2011

24 66 Chapman Street, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051 Tel: 1800 99 22 99 or +613 9329 4822 E: [email protected] ACN 088 112 261 www.childrenfirstfoundation.com www.facebook.com/moirakellyschildrenfirstfoundation

Photos: Craig Borrow Brian Carr Robert Reitmaier Jay Town Fiona Hamilton Melanie Faith Dove Sunday Herald Sun Teagan Glenane Herald Sun Design kindly donated Printing sponsored Valeriu Campan Leader Community Newspaper by Grant Day James. by Adams Print. Darren Tindale Educational Resource Centre RCH