Loren's life transformed thanks to ROMAC - a story of what is possible

Loren before the Op

ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) were presented with a cheque from the Rotary Club of New Lynn for $25,000.  This sum was raised by the contestants of the Miss New Zealand World Organisation towards the costs of an operation for tiny Loren Gavales, a 5 year old girl from San Enrique in the Philippines.

Loren has suffered since birth with a rare disorder, “nasofrontal encephalocele”, a condition in which brain tissue has grown through an opening in her nose, and formed a sac on her face. Without a complex operation, impossible in her own country, her chances of long term survival were compromised

Hearing of the plight of this young girl, participants in this year’s Miss New Zealand contest, threw themselves wholeheartedly into fund raising towards the costs of Loren’s operation, and post-operative care.

Loren after the Op

The theme of the Miss New Zealand World Organisation is ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ and this was well demonstrated by this energetic group of young women! Every individual contributed, raising funds from a variety of different activities, from baby-sitting and sausage sizzles, to cake stalls and fashion shows.  All worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds.

On 26^th April at the Grande Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland, Miss Arielle Garciano was crowned Miss World New Zealand 2014 and will be travelling to London, UK later this year to represent New Zealand in the world finals.

Desmond Foulger, incoming President for Rotary New Lynn for 2014 was invited to stage to receive the cheque for $25,000: the result of the combined fundraising efforts of all 15 contestants.

Arielle Garciano

The girls have been active on Facebook, as well as in their fund raising, keeping up to date with Loren’s progress and celebrating her recovery. Many comment that their involvement in this project has touched them deeply, and they have a great sense of achievement from contributing to such a worthwhile cause

The total cost for ROMAC to bring a child to New Zealand, and to provide such life-saving surgery is around $35-45,000, with the surgeons and other medics donating their time and expertise at no cost. The organisation was thrilled to receive such a large donation, and to be able to apply the funds towards the cost of Loren’s operation. The life changing results of her surgery, can be viewed in the photographs below.

 

Submitted by Nikki Harris

More information: www.romac.org.au  
New Lynn Rotary: www.newlynn.rotarysouthpacific.org