SOUTHERN REGION – AUG 2026 REPORT
R-1577 JOHN NAUKA (5 yo from Tanna Vanuatu, right club foot)
Arrived 8/09/2026 with his adopted mother, Mary Namal.
Hosted by Linda Koerner at Yarrambat.
First Dr’s appointment was on 12/08 for examination. X-ray & CT scan were ordered.
John had X-ray & CT scan done at Lake Imaging in North Melbourne on 13/08 Cost $356.75.
A 2nd Dr’s appointment was on 18/08. The doctor reviewed the X-ray result & CT-scan and decided on a treatment plan A total reconstruction of the foot would be required But prior to the operation, there will be 3 castings done to try stretching the foot as much as possible.
This will help make better result for the surgery.
John’s right foot was put in cast immediately on 18/08.
The next 2 castings will be done on 01/09 and 18/09, followed by a surgery approximately 2 weeks later.
The surgery is estimated to be in early Oct, to be confirmed.
There is a whole group of people in Melbourne supporting John & Mary. RC of Wandin is the sponsor club.
But during winter, most people in this club are away until end of Sept. I am doing what I can before I depart on 2/09 for an overseas trip for 2 months.
I have made arrangement with my Keilor East RC club President, Sally Armstrong, and a member of the Wandin RC, Warwick Bisleys, to stand-
in during Sept.
After this time, Gavan and Dianne McIntyre, D9815 Chair, will take over John’s case.
Despite my absence, I will be in regular contact via WhatsApp & email for John’s case.
John and Mary are very pleasant people. John was clinging onto Patrick (Linda’s husband) as soon as Patrick comes home from work.
An obvious sign of needing father’s love.
John was adopted by Mary when Mary saw him being abandoned by a mother who had been suffering a serious mental disorder, perhaps as the result of a marriage break-up.
John was left with not having parents or siblings.
John is a very lovable boy, easily adapting to new things, a quick learner and gives others his pleasant company.
His right foot now is in cast with a special shoe, making his walk more uncomfortable by the look. But John said he was OK.
Until the next appointment on 01/09, John and Mary are enjoying their time at Linda & Patrick’s house. Linda and Patrick are doing a great job, providing John and Mary and homey environment.
They have already taken them out on the Queenscliff ferry. They were amazed by wonderful new things.
(I will be away from 2/09 to 25/10)
Best regards to all.
Minh
20/08/2026
