Although he had his legs in
plaster for 6 weeks after his birth that did not correct the deformity. Robert had to be carried everywhere by his
Parents although he could walk to a limited extent on the tops of his feet.
In April 2012 an Australian
Blindness Prevention Project team visiting Robert’s village identified his
condition as one that could not be treated effectively by local medical
facilities and referred to him to Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children
(ROMAC).
Robert and his dad arrived in
New Zealand on 15 January 2014. They
were hosted by the Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise and home hosted by Club
member Michele Rees-Williams. Robert and
Ialulu experienced many new things while in New Zealand courtesy of Rotarians.
Robert was treated at Waikato
Hospital Orthopaedic Clinic. He had
plaster casts on both legs until 28 May 2014 when surgeon Richard Willoughby
and his surgical team, who volunteered their time and expertise, operated on
Robert’s feet.
On 4 July 2014 the plasters
came off. Richard Willoughby was happy with the result and gave the all clear
for Robert to go home. Robert was issued
with special support “splints” to wear inside his first pair of shoes.
When Robert and Ialulu left on
9 July 2014, Robert was able to walk through the airport departure doors
unaided.
ROMAC’s intervention has
changed the lives of Robert and his family.
Robert can now look forward to the normal activities of a young boy and
can grow up to be an active member of his village. His exposure to English and formal education for
the first time opens up other possibilities for him and his family.
Robert is one of the lucky
ones. There are hundreds of children
identified every year in the Oceania region who could benefit from treatment
through ROMAC.
