10 year old Nayline from the island of Santo in Vanuatu is currently undergoing treatment at the Sydney Children's Hospital here in Randwick.  As a baby, her family noticed that "things weren't right" and local doctors confirmed that she was born with scoliosis.  This condition has gradually worsened as she has grown, and she now has a very defined curvature of her spine.

 

Nayline was referred for ROMAC's assistance about five years ago, but this was put on hold due to COVID.  Fortunately, it is now all systems go, and she and her father Henry arrived in Sydney on 22 October.  Since then, she has undergone a series of x-rays, CT scans and MRI to determine the extent of corrective action required.  She and her dad will now return home to Santo and return in early February 2025, when she will undergo two major operations at Sydney Children's Hospital.

 

Whilst in Sydney, they have been staying at Ronald McDonald House, where they have been supported by members of the ROMAC Eastern Region Committee and members of our Club. 

 

The picture shows Nayline with Dad, Henry, her superhero Batman, and Botany Randwick member, Richard.  Dr Michael Plaister, who facilitated her acceptance by Sydney Children's Hospital, was masquerading as Batman as it was a dress-up party day for staff at the hospital!  Dr Plaister was recently recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow for his support to ROMAC over many years.