Three-year-old Janet arrived with her mother Anika in April for treatment of a left clubfoot at the Geelong University Hospital. Clubfoot that goes untreated past the age of walking often cannot be treated conservatively or by casting alone.

Janet’s treatment was undertaken by Dr Richard Angliss, a paediatric and general surgeon with a special interest in treating congenital and acquired growth-related conditions in the lower limbs. Janet’s treatment entailed initial casting of the affected limb, followed by corrective surgery and then a further round of casting.

Imagine Anika’s joy and gratitude when, after three years of hoping for a solution and nearly 11 weeks of treatment, her toddler was cleared by Dr Angliss at their final medical appointment to travel home and begin her life anew.

The pair also developed a close relationship with their hosts Carol Brislane and John Sanders of the Rotary Club of Geelong West who, with occasional relief support from Morag and Suzanne Mann of Geelong Central Rotary Club, supported them most ably throughout their stay. Carol and John already have plans for a return visit to Vanuatu!

Our sincere thanks also go to Dr Richard Angliss and his staff at the Geelong University Hospital for their expertise and care, the Rotary Club of Geelong West for its sponsorship of Janet’s case and the Jared Dunscombe Foundation, which made a donation last year towards her treatment.