Papua New Guinea
December 16, 2025

Stancia is finally free

Stancia had an ano-rectal fistula, which could only be corrected by multiple surgeries over time.

Child patient surrounded by docotrs

Delightful 8-year-old Stancia is from the highlands of Papua New Guinea. She needed major corrective surgery for an ano-rectal fistula.Her first operation was performed in April 2024 in Canberra by paediatric surgeons A/Prof Celine Hamid and A/Prof David Croaker.

This was followed by seven minor surgeries to finally close her stoma. Stancia was in Canberra for nearly six months, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bungendore and hosted by the Elder and Goldstraw families. She attended Bungendore Primary School for three months free of charge under her medical visa, making new friends, improving her English and learning to play sport.

This surgery has been life-changing for Stancia and her mother Hilda who no longer need to worry about toileting and infection. Now they are free to live normal lives.

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

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