Rotarian Kay McCauley, District Interplast Coordinator, has received the the attached story from our recent guest speaker Jeanette Etheringham from Interplast.
Interplast - Making A Difference Together
Since 1983 Interplast has been repairing bodies and rebuilding lives across the Asia Pacific region.
We were therefore delighted to hear that one of our patients in Laos is doing well and has taken up a new hobby – photography.
Although we have shared it before, for those who may not be aware of Vanvisa’s story…..
Vanvisa, like all young children, was inquisitive, engaged in her surrounds and embracing life to the fullest. That changed the day she suffered severe gas burns to her left arm, chest and neck, aged eight years old.
Vanvisa’s story is not unusual in developing countries. When skin is burned, the surrounding skin begins to pull together, resulting in a contracture – severe tightening of the skin. If treated early and appropriately, contractures can be minimised through occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and splinting.
Living in Savannakhet Laos - an 8-hour journey from the capital, Vientiane - Vanvisa had no access to burns therapies. When treated poorly, or not treated early enough, surgical intervention is usually needed to release the contractures. In 2014 when she was 10 years old, 2 years after sustaining her injuries, she and her mother travelled to Vientiane to meet one of Interplast's highly skilled surgical teams.
Vanvisa's initial surgery involved the release of burns contractures on the left side of her neck, which meant that she was able to straighten her head for the first time since the injury.
Vanvisa’s burn contractures were so severe that she has needed multiple surgeries over many years, and therapy to regain movement in her arm and neck. Her most recent surgery was performed by the Interplast team in February 2020. For Vanvisa, surgery has become an annual experience to reduce the burns contractures.
Vanvisa has developed into a remarkable young woman who despite the challenges of significant pain, discomfort, and the impacts from surgery and her initial burns, is embracing a new interest in photography.
Vanvisa - always smiling
Always smiling, it was during her most recent visit with the Interplast team in February 2020 that Interplast partners, Lao International Support Group, become aware that Vanvisa wishes to become a photographer. With some support of generous LISG donors, Vanvisa has now been presented with a camera to help her fulfil her passion and dreams.
Interplast's surgical program in Vientiane was partially funded by the Rotary Club of Bentleigh Moorrabbin Central, in District 9810
Interplast wishes Vanvisa every happiness as she embarks on learning the art of photography.
Pictured is Vanvisa receiving her camera
