Baby Melenaite was born with a large teratoma, a mass of tissue and blood vessels, on her lower back. Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) arranged for her and her mum Michelle to fly to Canberra, where the 2.5kg tumour was removed. Unfortunately, some remnants remained and she was transferred to the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick for further treatment. They have been living at Ronald McDonald House and members of our Club have been supporting them during their stay.
On 2 March Melenaite underwent 5 hours of surgery. Firstly an operation by Urologist Dr Sarah Guitronich to address the kidney issue. Then followed a 4-hour operation by Neurologist Dr Saeed Kohan to excise the remaining teratoma.
At this time, both doctors are very pleased with the outcome of the operations. After two week in hospital Melenaite, with her mum Michelle, are now back at Ronald McDonald House, adjacent to the hospital, pending check-ups with the doctors during the coming week.
For more information on ROMAC visit http://www,romac.org.au