Thanks to your support, 27 children received critical life-changing care in Samoa
Feel Good Friday with Children First Foundation!
Children First Foundation helps children from developing countries access vital surgical care, either at home or in Australia when that care is unavailable in their home countries. This initiative in Samoa is part of the Today Tomorrow Project, made possible by local teams, RACS, Kiwanis, the Lions Club, and your support. Running for its third year, I am thrilled to share my observations of this mission from the ground and introduce you to some of the children you supported.
That's 27 children who now have the chance to grow up healthier, happier and free from conditions that affected every part of their daily lives.
It all happened because of supporters like you.
Working alongside our valued partners, the local teams at Apia's Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, visiting teams from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons—the initiative brought together two surgeons, two anaesthetists and two nurses from both Australia and New Zealand.
The week began with initial health assessments at the clinic, where more than 30 children were assessed by the doctors. Some familiar little faces were returning for follow-up care, while many were being seen for the first time. The operating schedule for the week was carefully developed based on a range of factors, including medical urgency, overall health, and how far families had travelled—many making the half day journey by ferry from Samoa's second main island, Savai'i.
Image: You may recognise Daniel, who received life-changing surgery last year at just three months old. Here he was checked for his general health alongside his twin brother Paul and you’ll be so glad he’s doing okay!
As soon as clinic concluded, the surgical team split across two operating theatres and surgeries began. There is no time wasted on these missions.
One of the children you helped care for was six-year-old Hong.
Hong was born with a rare condition called Hirschsprung disease, which made everyday bowel movements uncomfortable and put him at risk of serious health complications, infection and severe blockages.
When I met Hong and his mum before surgery, there were plenty of nervous smiles. Yet despite everything he was facing, Hong's resilience shone through, pretending he was Spider-Man about to conquer his surgery.
The next day, I visited him in the ward. Although he was sore, he couldn't stop smiling after receiving the all-clear to go home.
Because of your support, Hong can now look forward to a healthier future, eating without discomfort, and becoming Spider-Man once more.
Image: Hong with his mum, before surgery (left) and in the ward post-surgery (right)
The paediatric ward is one of the busiest places in the hospital: every bed is taken, parents and extended family gather around providing intimate tight-knit support.
When I visited the ward mid-week, I met Renari and Eddieson.
Like many of the children treated on this mission, Renari was recovering from a stoma closure procedure. For many children, growing up with a stoma can be incredibly difficult. Beyond the physical challenges, it can be isolating and bring on feelings of shame that affect confidence, friendships and school life.
Thanks to your kindness, Renari and other children like her can look forward to a future with greater independence, using the bathroom on their own instead of needing help changing their stoma bag, confidence in social settings, and better overall health.
Four-month-old Eddieson faced a different challenge.
She was born with a blockage where her kidney met her ureter, causing pain and putting her at risk of infection and reduced kidney function: potential serious long-term health risk as kidney health is critical to balanced overall health. Her mother was understandably frightened. Seeing your baby in pain is something no parent should have to experience.
Because of your support, Eddieson received the specialist surgery she needed, giving her the chance to grow healthier and stronger.
Seeing Renari and Eddieson recovering alongside their mums reminded me just how much your care reaches far beyond the operating theatre. From diagnosis and surgery to recovery and ongoing support, you are helping children every step of the way.
Image: Renari being assessed post-op by her surgeon Dr Celine (left) / Eddieson is held by her mother while her aunt gives her pain-relief after surgery (right)
Twenty-seven children received surgery this week because of your generosity.
But your impact doesn't end there.
Through this project, you're helping build a future where more Samoan children can receive specialist surgical care close to home, surrounded by the people who love them most. In addition to providing surgical care to those with immediate need, the volunteer visiting surgical team provides mentoring, training and skills-sharing with the local surgical team.
Image: The visiting and local teams working alongside each other
That's the power of your support.
Not just changing lives today—but helping change lives tomorrow, and for many years to come.
Fa'afetai (thank you) for helping create a heathier future for Samoa’s children.