Avela Foundation and Smile Foundation continue to prioritise children affected by burns
Alma iPixel CO2 laser allows for faster treatment times and shorter recovery periods.
Avela Foundation, in partnership with Smile Foundation, continue to prioritise the health of children affected by burns.
The two foundations officially handed over the cutting-edge Alma iPixel CO2 laser at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital on August 20. This milestone has been made possible through the incredible generosity of Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels and their community of supporters, who raised the funds to purchase this groundbreaking device.
Moira Gerszt, the acting CEO of Smile Foundation, expressed her gratitude. “This extraordinary gift made possible through Jacaranda Good Morning Angels will change the lives of so many children affected by burns. The Pixel CO2 laser not only represents cutting-edge medical
technology, but also the power of community coming together to give hope and healing.”
The laser is recognised worldwide as the gold standard for scar treatment. The treatment makes it easier for young burn survivors to move, play, and live more comfortably.
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The new device also allows for faster treatment times, shorter recovery periods, and reduced anaesthetic use. This means that more children can be treated, giving them the chance to heal more quickly and with less discomfort.
Cami Palomo, the founder of Avela Foundation, said that its mission had always been to restore dignity and confidence to young burn survivors.
“This partnership with Smile Foundation and the incredible generosity of Good Morning Angels’ supporters will ensure that children not only heal physically but also emotionally, empowering them with brighter futures.”
The hospital’s Dr Pinky Chirwa noted that the unveiling of the new machine spoke to the ethos of the hospital.
“This hospital was built on donor money, and everything that you see in the hospital was made possible through public and private partnerships, and as the hospital, we welcome that partnership because we realise that the public sector alone cannot achieve certain milestones alone.”
General surgeon Dr Ronell Parkhurst, who works closely with Avela Foundation through their burns supportive programme, praised the latest laser machine and added that it was a necessary asset to have in burn care, because the real struggle in burns began when the acute burns healed.
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