Gr8 Health has recently sponsored 8 year old Sam Tombil to travel to Australia, and provided resources for him to seek medical treatment which would otherwise be unavailable. Sam is from the remote village of Sipngap; located in the Western Highlands of 1 of our closest neighbours, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Sam has a Plexiform Neurofibroma tumour spreading across his face. Without delicate surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct Sam’s eye socket, he will lose his sight. “Medical care in Papua New Guinea is limited, and the Tombil family couldn’t afford to bring Sam to Australia themselves. Since Sam and his father, Joe arrived in Australia, Gr8 Health have reached out to plastic surgeons in Brisbane to find someone to lead the delicate surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct Sam’s eye socket. Renowned paediatric and plastic surgeon, Dr Stuart Bade has donated his time and resources to assemble a team of health specialists to perform this intricate surgery, scheduled for 17 September. Dr Stuart Bade specialises in both paediatric and adult plastic surgery and is currently the Director of Paediatric and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery for Children’s Health at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. Dr Stuart Bade has assembled a team of specialists who will perform the operation in September, donating their time to this important cause. Dr Stuart Bade said “having met young Sam and seen his smile and the urgent need for medical attention to save his eyesight, I decided to take on this case to improve his quality of life.’ Living in third world conditions, few people realise the extent of poverty and isolation of the people of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is our closest and largest neighbour with a population of more than eight million.  Many people forget the close ties between Papua New Guinea and Queensland, and for many years Papua New Guinea was managed by the State of Queensland.  Many Papua New Guineans are keen supporters of the Maroons and local QLD rugby teams. The Gold Coast Titan’s, in connection with the Regional Manager of Event Cinemas Queensland, recently gave Sam and his father Joe tickets to the Titans vs Brisbane Broncos game held on the Gold Coast. At Gr8 Health we place health before profit and our goal is a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. Everyone’s contribution will make this operation a reality, ensuring Sam has the brightest future ahead. We will keep you updated on his treatment, recovery and progress.

Watch Sam’s full story on YouTube