You Can Transform Lives
Your support now will ensure more children can get the help they need.
Children First Foundation facilitates life-saving and life-changing surgery in Australia for children from developing countries. These children cannot access the medical care they desperately need, as the complex and often multiple surgical procedures required are not easily available in their own countries.
17 million people die each year from surgically preventable conditions, because they are unable to access the treatment they require.
Most of the children we support require such complex surgery that they need to travel to Australia. Pre and post-surgery they are expertly cared for at the Foundation’s Retreat. We can facilitate some selected surgeries in the children’s home countries. As well as funding support, our in-country representatives provide the children and families with vital pre-surgery and post-surgery care, ensuring the best possible outcome for each child.
Where a child is born should not govern their right to live a healthy and happy life and together, we can address this inequality.
Your donation will be used to help ensure those most in need can travel to Australia to access the medical care they deserve. Where travel is not immediately possible your support will allow interim treatments to alleviate pain and suffering for the children until they are able to get to Australia.
It is only through the support of generous people like you that these children are able to get the help that they need.
Watch the video below to see more children’s life-changing transformations:
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In a remote island of Vanuatu, little Jack was born with a large lump on his tiny face. Fearful that he would hurt himself, and to keep him away from curious eyes, his mum Boufa was careful to shield her son from others. By a sheer stroke of luck, some visitors from Victoria came across Jack. Seeing the large bump on his face, they were eager to help and referred him to Children First Foundation. Upon further investigation, it was discovered the lump was not simply cosmetic but a life-threatening encephalocele. Jack was rushed to Australia for life-saving surgery in 2018. Now back at home, Jack is thriving. His mum says “Jack no longer has headaches, he is always playing and never sits down!”.
Celestina from Timor-Leste was born with a rare condition called ellis-van creveld syndrome, which caused multiple issues with her limbs. Her shin bones were severely damaged, causing her knees to collapse. Over time Celestina could barely walk. Life became extremely tough, and this bright and bubbly young girl lost all hope. Thankfully, following a long and challenging treatment, Celestina is now healthy and happy and has a bright future ahead of her. She has just completed her final year exams and hopes to secure a scholarship to study English at University.
Angel from the Philippines was born with a growth on her forehead that covered her nose and mouth. Although Angel’s parents showered her with love and encouragement, they seldom let her out of the house, fearful of how other children would react. Then one day, the inevitable happened. A little boy approached Angel while the family were out and shouted, ‘‘Monster!’’ Angel did not flinch. She just patted him on the shoulder and said, ‘‘Hi.’’ Today, thanks to her surgery and treatment, Angel is free from the engulfing growth on her face. She loves playing with other children and demonstrates kindness, bravery and wisdom beyond her years.
Born with a condition known as clubfeet, seven-year-old Chien from Vietnam had never walked. He relied on his school friends to carry him on their backs or inside he could scoot around using his arms. Unable to access appropriate treatment in Vietnam, life for little Chien was extremely challenging. Thankfully, after successful treatment in Australia, Chien recently started the 2020 school year with a bang – walking on his own feet.
All these children have their own stories and challenges but one thing is the same for them all. They need someone like you to be the difference in their lives. We know there are many more children just like them who need help. If you believe that because where a child is born shouldn’t determine their right to live a healthy, happy life you can help them today.