The Royal Children's Hospital
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Akeira's Story
Over the past 64 years, Collier Charitable Fund has supported over $1,200,000 worth of innovative technology at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Advanced medical equipment is integral to delivering the life-changing and life-saving care the RCH is known for. Nobody understands this better than star RCH patient, Akeira.
Born prematurely, Akeira was diagnosed at birth with a rare congenital condition called Goldenhar Syndrome that disrupted her in utero development. As a result, Akeira has profound hearing loss in both ears, facial abnormalities, issues with her speech and only one kidney. Though Goldenhar Syndrome typically manifests itself on one side of the body, Akeira is affected bilaterally, with predominance on her left side.
Akeira wears hearing aids and has undergone extensive dental and speech pathology work to ensure her speech is unaffected. Last year, Akeira underwent the first of many surgeries to correct her facial deformities, with skilled craniofacial and plastics surgeon Dr Jonathan Burge. Additional surgeries to correct her facial asymmetry will begin in early 2016.
“Helping Akeira reach her maximum potential and seeing her beaming face and positive attitude every time she comes to clinic is nothing short of amazing,” says Dr Burge.
Collier Charitable Fund has played an important part in Akeira’s care, supporting the purchase of dental and plastics equipment that helps patients like her put their best face forward.
Says mum Felisia, “Akeira loves coming to the RCH even when it’s for something serious like surgery because it’s the best hospital with the best doctors and equipment. Also, they look after her well-being and she’s happy there.”