COMBINED MEETING WITH ROTARY CLUB OF EDWARDSTOWN
CRANIOFACIAL AUSTRALIA
PRESENTED BY CHRISTINA PANAGOPOLUS AND SPEAKER DAMIEN DEWIT
PROFESSOR DAVID DAVID AC - Craniomaxillofacial and Plastic Surgeon
Founded CRANIOFACIAL AUSTRALIA some forty years ago
A not-for-profit charity that walks alongside children, adults and families living with the wide range of cleft and craniofacial conditions. Doors are opened to care, information and treatment, drive breakthroughs by funding transformative research and deliver training programs to equip medical and clinical professionals.
Christina Panagopolus introduced Damien DeWit, a past patient who represents Craniofacial Australia.
Damien had a traumatic and life-altering event in 2005, when a rock was thrown at his car while he was driving. The impact caused a devastating accident that left him with life-threatening injuries and severe facial trauma. What followed was 15 years of operations and years of rehab under the care of Prof. David David and the Craniofacial team between 2006 and 2010.
Damien recounted his time as a patient and gave many insights into his experiences. This included many blood transfusions, rehab at Hampstead and how his Mum was his guiding light. On a humorous note he had his car rego. plate changed to 'ROCK ON'. This became his life motto.
On reflection, the kids who threw rocks were caught but never charged. Damien retains little hatred of them! - life goes on.
There was a good attendance by members of both Clubs, who enjoyed dinner at the Maid of Auckland Hotel