How ROMAC helped Aviana’s life‑changing journey

ROMAC recently had the privilege of supporting Aviana and her mother Makereta, on a life‑changing medical journey from their home in Suva, Fiji.

Aviana was born with blocked airways and initially relied on a tracheostomy to breathe, and required urgent specialist care not available locally.

Aviana and her mother were accompanied by two dedicated Fijian doctors and on arrival in Adelaide were transferred directly by ambulance to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).

From the moment she arrived Aviana received expert, compassionate care. The specialist medical team at WCH surgically cleared her airways and placed nasal splints to support and maintain her breathing passages.

Aviana successfully underwent surgery in early March. Her surgeon Dr John Wood confirmed the procedure went well, and after a short stay in PICU she was transferred to Rose Ward to continue her recovery.

Makereta was able to stay close by in the parents’ room, providing much‑needed comfort for both mother and child. Members of ROMAC’s central region maintained ongoing contact with Makereta to ensure she felt supported and confident in the care Aviana was receiving.

The warmth of the Adelaide community was evident throughout their stay, with members of the local Fijian community organising visits to provide comfort and support to Makereta during a challenging time.

Aviana’s recovery progressed steadily and by mid‑March she was well enough to return home. She and Makereta travelled safely back to Suva with their medical escorts, where Aviana continues her recovery.

It has been an extraordinary privilege to witness the impact of compassionate, life‑saving care and to play a small part in giving Aviana the chance of a happy and healthy future.”