Baby Melenaite from the Pacific Ocean island of Tonga, was born with a large teratoma, a 2.5kg mass of tissue and blood vessels, on her lower back. Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) arranged for her, with mum Michelle, to fly to Canberra, where the 2.5kg tumour was removed at The Canberra Hospital. Unfortunately, some remnants remained and she was transferred to the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick for more specialised treatment. Unfortunately, the tumour resulted in other complications, impacting her kidneys, bladder and hip joints.
In March 2023 Melenaite underwent 5 hours of surgery at The Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick. Firstly, an operation by Urologist Dr Sarah Guitronich addressed the kidney issue. Then followed a 4-hour operation by Neurologist Dr Saeed Kohan to excise the remaining teratoma. Following these procedures, Melenaite was fitted with a hip brace and returned to Tonga with her Mum Michelle in April 2023.
In mid-February 2024, Melenaite and Michelle returned for reviews of her various issues at both Canberra and Sydney Children's Hospitals. This included an MRI under general anaesthetic. It was great to see the child that was here twelve months ago as a babe in arms, returning as a very lively near 2-year-old!
Following the all-clear they returned home to Tonga on 8 March 2024, farewelled at Sydney Airport by Botany Randwick and ROMAC Board Member, Richard. It is planned that they return in a few month's time for a further review.
Whilst in Sydney, they stayed at Ronald McDonald House close by the Hospital. Our Club is a major supporter of the House, and it is fantastic to see the reciprocation of this support in their assistance to ROMAC children.
For more information on ROMAC visit http://www,romac.org.au