By BRIDGET SCOTT
A YOUNG boy from East Timor was the recipient of life-saving heart surgery last month, thanks to the Dunscombe family from Cranbourne.
Following the tragic death of Jared Dunscombe last year, his family decided to create a fund in his name and support people in need, as he was so dedicated to doing throughout his life.
In February this year, a fund in his name was started to support charities similar to what he would have.
Sister Jonelle Colabufalo said the first target was to raise $20,000 and bring a child from a third world country to Australia who was in need of a life-saving operation.
“We raised this through two events,” she said.
Monies raised from both the official launch of the fund and an annual walk were enough to bring young Aze Da Cunha and his father to Australia through the Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) and Rotary Club of Cranbourne.
Aze was admitted to hospital for heart surgery, and Ms Colabufalo was pleased to report it all went smoothly.
“The operation went very well, he is a very brave little boy,” she said.
“He is doing really well; you would hardly know he was sick.”
The seven-year-old and his dad were hosted by Jonelle’s parents John and Kathy Dunscombe and the pair were scheduled to return home a few days after his surgery.
Ms Colabufalo said the idea is to fund operations for children who would otherwise not survive.
“It’s a great thing to be part of,” she said.
Aze underwent the operation at Monash Medical Centre on Monday 8 September.
The surgery was a routine procedure in Australia but something that was not available in his own country.
Ms Colabufalo said the condition with Aze’s heart severely stunted his growth and he “couldn’t physically exert himself.”
She said that while Aze and his father did not speak English they still expressed their thanks through an interpreter.
