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.
The very good news is that, after 9 months of treatment at The Canberra Hospital and Sydney Children's Hospital, Melenaite has been cleared to return home to her family in Tonga in time for Easter.
For more information on ROMAC visit http://www,romac.org.au