ROMAC CHANGES LIVES
Our own member, Philip Smith passionately presented to a meeting of 20 members at our meeting of 11 May on Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) which he represents in Rotary District 9685.ROMAC's mission is to provide medical treatment for children from developing countries in the form of life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery not accessible to them in their home country.
Assisted by many eminent Australian and New Zealand surgeons who generously donate their time free for the treatment of our patients, this humanitarian program has provided over 350 children from more than 20 developing countries with urgent medical treatment that has given them new hope.
Philip showed us before and after images testifying to the great work the surgeons undertake; he highlighted the high costs of intensive care and normal bed costs which in Sydney is charged by the two main hospitals and in others is either donated or capped. ROMAC relies on donations and philanthropic support as well as corporate and personal sponsorships to meet the costs involved. It is an official Rotary program throughout Australia and New Zealand.
ROMAC also relies on volunteers to care for a Child and Parent/Guardian during their time in Australia.
Philip's role involves coordinating those carers within Rotary District 9685 when need arises, and presenting to Rotary clubs throughout the district.
Donations may be made via ROMAC's website, through our club or via Philip.
Take a moment to view this video: