Cranio Facial Surgery Trust
The aim of the Trust is to enable children suffering from major facial deformities to be able to receive corrective surgery and to encourage research and development into, and the promotion of advanced surgical techniques to correct such major facial deformities.
This Trust was established in 1984 after more than $800,000 was raised by Apex Clubs from the 1983/84 National Apex Service Scheme. The scheme was originally promoted by the Salisbury Apex Club in South Australia.
Working closely with the Chairman and Founder, Professor David J. David, Apex sponsored the formation of the internationally reknown, Australian Cranio Maxillo Facial Foundation (ACMFF), based in Adelaide.
Through this Trust, Apex is the major benefactor of the ACMFF. In 1998 a significant milestone was achieved when the Apex Foundation's contribution to the ACMFF totalled one million dollars.
A significant proportion of the funds granted each year by Apex is used to further research of the causes and treatments of many forms of facial deformities.
Funds are also used to provide services for people suffering financial hardship, and who, without this assistance would not be able to receive treatment. Due to its worldwide reputation, patients from throughout South East Asia, including Malaysia, China, Vietnam and Indonesia are referred to the centre to receive corrective surgery.
Craniofaical surgery is a complex, multidisciplinary activity which requires personal, humanitarian action and support at all levels of our community. It involves high technology and advanced science, which is restoring dignity for the facially deformed throughout the world.
The number of patients is increasing each year. The work is very costly and the community's support is vitally important for the success of the Australian Craniofacial Unit.
First photo: Young Abby has a haemangioma growing around her eye. It s a cluster of abnormal blood vessels. There was concern that as it grew it would cause eye damage.
Second photo: Cortisone was injected into the haemangioma that prevented it from gowing to full size. Abby's vision is now safe and surgery may be necessary to remove shrunken blood vessels. Her future looks bright.
FUNDS DISBURSED FROM THIS TRUST: 2008/09 $13,000 Total over $1.6 million
Click to access ACMFF website