Papua New Guinea
December 12, 2025

Krisselda goes home

Suffering from a very rare genetic condition, Krisselda was brought by ROMAC to Canberra for multiple surgeries.

Child smiling at camera

Krisselda, a Papua New Guinean girl who arrived in Canberra in March 2024, had multiple surgeries at the Canberra Hospital for caudal duplication syndrome, a very rare genetic condition in which internal systems are duplicated and bowel and bladder functions are not normal. Krisselda made good progress with her medical issues under the care of A/Prof Celine Hamid and A/Prof David Croaker.

Krisselda attended Gold Creek School in between surgery and outpatient appointments and was hosted by Rotarian Gordana. While in Australia she turned 10 years old, celebrating her birthday with friends and Rotarians in a local park. She, and her mother Sonia, returned home in November, happy to be able to live a normal life.

More patient stories

Recent Stories

Vanuatu
February 25, 2026
Vanuatu toddler recovering after life-saving heart surgery

Without heart surgery, Vanuatu toddler Janewly faced suffering and likely death. Now she is recovering at Sydney’s Westmead Children's Hospital, thanks to a partnership between ROMAC and the hospital’s cardiothoracic team.

Read more
Timor-Leste
February 25, 2026
Surgery restores Antonio’s sight

After two serious injuries in four years to the same eye, Antonio needed advanced surgery unavailable in Timor-Leste. ROMAC and Rotarians in Sydney stepped in to help.

Read more
Timor-Leste
February 25, 2026
Surgery and many helpers save hole-in-the-heart baby

An 18-month-old Timor-Leste boy’s life has been saved by surgery in a case which shows the value of coordination between medical experts, volunteers, translators, pastoral workers, and community organisations.

Read more

Treatment in cases like this can cost more than $100,000

Any donation you can make will help make treatment like this possible.