Kingsford Guri (27) of PNG has had life-changing corrective surgery, thanks to Cabrini and Children First Foundation.

A surgical team from Cabrini including surgeons Associate Professor Paul McMurrick and Mr Chris Kimber, as well as anaesthetists Drs Jenni Carden, Ian Lack and John Waters and assistants Drs Yew Loon and Harry Yao provided pro bono care for Kingsford. Other Cabrini staff also volunteered their time over three surgical operations in 2013 and 2014.

Kingsford Guri suffered from Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition with which he was born and from which his brother died as a child. In the case of Kingsford, the condition was recognised early and at two months of age, he was treated at a hospital in the PNG highlands and had a colostomy bag fitted. Tragically, Kingsford’s mother was murdered at this time and he was raised by relatives and friends. However, Kingsford’s disability prevented him from living normally, as he had no access to the plastic bags needed to collect waste from his colostomy.

“Kingsford’s life was very hard,” says Associate Professor Paul McMurrick. “Stigmatised due to his disability, Kingsford had been unable to complete his education or live a normal adult life in PNG.”

At Cabrini, Associate Professor McMurrick and Mr Chris Kimber (paediatric surgeon) assessed Kingsford to plan the best approach to his surgery. They gained the trust of the shy young man, who is grateful for all that has been done for him.

“In November 2013, Kingsford underwent a major surgical procedure at Cabrini Malvern, in order to remove the diseased parts of his bowel and had further surgery in January 2014 to remove the colostomy,” says Associate Professor McMurrick. “He is now doing very well. The difficulties he has
endured all his life are now behind him and he can get on with his life.”

Associate Professor McMurrick hopes to visit Kingsford after he returns to his home in the village of Goroka in PNG.

About Cabrini’s medical evacuations program

Cabrini’s medical evacuation program, which has operated since the late 1990s, provides surgical procedures, which aim to return basic function to the patient and cannot be done in the patient’s own country. Annually, Cabrini supports 5-10 medical evacuations (depending on the size of the case) under our social and community outreach program. Many of these patients are jointly supported by Cabrini and the Children First Foundation. In keeping with our Catholic and Cabrinian identity, Cabrini’s medical evacuation program is part our social and community outreach program. Each year, we set aside funding to support medical evacuation cases, particularly those involving children and young adults. Our contribution, and those of our accredited medical practitioners who provide their expertise and time for these cases pro bono, covers both pre- and post-operative diagnostic investigations and inpatient care.  The medical evacuation program provides an opportunity for staff (medical and nursing) to volunteer services.