Thank you Professor David
There is a special bond between Professor David David and Sofia, one that has existed as long as she can remember. Now aged 10, Sofia was only seven months old when she first became a patient.
Sofia has Craniofacial Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes craniosynostosis, the early fusion of the sutures of the skull.
Professor David David and his multi-disciplinary team have been there for Sofia for almost her whole life, performing multiple surgeries with their ground-breaking approach and the world-class Craniofacial Unit at the WCH.
“I am sure you remember me from one of your last surgeries before you retired,” Sofia beams in a heartfelt video message to Professor David on his 80th birthday. Sofia has already had nine surgeries and will require ongoing treatment and care like many craniofacial patients. It is a journey Sofia and her craniofacial team have been on and continue together.
Patients just like Sofia aren’t just treated once, they need to be supported through their entire lifetime.
Thanks to the specialised craniofacial surgery she received and the on-going treatment and care, Sofia lives a full and happy life. When you meet Sofia, her warmth and radiance shines in abundance and although her craniofacial journey is long, she has resilience and strength that can’t be measured.
Sofia, aged 7 and 3 months, with Prof David
Sofia post-surgery, aged 7 and 8 months
“Thank you for doing the work on my skull. You made me a lot better” – Sofia
Sometimes patients and their families are unable to pay for treatment and are left waiting for surgery that will help them develop and grow. Our goal is to ensure everyone gets the treatment and care they deserve, which is why we provide funds to vulnerable families when they need it most.
Your donation could help a person along their craniofacial journey, so they can flourish and reach their full potential, just like Sofia.
Click here to make a life-changing donation today.
Thanks to our featured donor!
The Henley Opportunity Shop has been an incredible supporter of Craniofacial Australia’s and has been a regular giver for over 30 years. Their most recent gift came at the end of one of the toughest years for fundraising we have experienced, and it is with deep gratitude for their amazing support that we feature them in our Summer Newsletter.
It is thanks to small community groups like the Henley Op Shop and the selfless work of their volunteers that we are able to continue providing support to patients and families across Australia.
Henley Opportunity Shop was founded in the early '70s by female Councillor Iris McDonald, who believed that the community needed access to affordable goods. The Henley/Grange Council agreed and afforded her the use of an old council building. The Op Shop’s current premises were purpose-built by a developer who needed the land the old shop occupied.
This community establishment is entirely run by volunteers and is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 11am-4pm for anyone looking to donate clothing or goods. They give all their takings to local and global charities. Community donations and volunteer interest are so important and we and thank them for their amazing support!
PROFESSOR DAVID DAVID INVITES YOU TO
Chat with the Chairman
A discussion and Q&A about the role of Craniofacial Australia in a changing landscape.
WEDNESDAY, 10th February 7.30 PM - 8.30 PM
Register for this online-only event now!
Celebrating Christmas Apart, Together
Ryan, aged 4
Liliana, aged 3
We weren’t able to put on our usual Christmas Picnic in 2020, but that didn’t stop us from making sure our Cranio Families got cards and presents for the kids.
Ashton, 12 months
Abbey, 7
and Jacob, 15
Archie, 6 months
Metopic Synostosis Research Delivers
Children diagnosed with metopic synostosis, the premature closure of the
metopic suture, often undergo cranial surgery in infancy in order to re-shape the skull and mitigate the condition’s impact on the child’s appearance and neuropsychological functioning. However, at times, surgery is not undertaken due to the potential for limited benefits to the child.
Few studies have examined this latter group of unoperated children, meaning little is known about their ongoing well-being.
For this reason, Craniofacial Australia has funded new research, headed by Dr Amanda Osborn (pictured) of the University of Adelaide, that examines the cognitive, behavioural and psychological functioning of children with
unoperated metopic synostosis who have been diagnosed and managed by the Australian Craniofacial Unit. Although these children were found to be generally functioning at similar levels to their healthy peers, nuanced
differences in cognitive ability were found.
This research by Dr Osborn and her team will be invaluable to surgeons’ understanding of metopic synostosis and will help them make life-changing decisions about when to perform surgery on infants.
Where our funds go
$269,298
in funding has been approved for research projects to discover the best preventions and cures for craniofacial disorders.
$106,916
has been invested in educating tomorrow's best surgeons.
How much it costs to change a life
$14,082
The average cost for 1 patient undergoing routine craniofacial surgery
$5,080
The average funds needed to support accommodation, transport and living expenses for regional families
How you can change a life forever
$20,000
Surgical costs for two patients
Bimaxillary Surgery corrects jaws that are out of alignment to improve the patients’ ability to chew, speak and breathe. These are functionalities we take for granted, but they are fundamental to our survival. We have two patients that have completed the next stage of their orthodontic treatments and now require Bimaxillary Surgery to continue their craniofacial journey. This surgery will improve their functionality, assist with breathing and improve their appearance making their life easier. The cost of their hospital stays and surgery is estimated to exceed $10,000 each.