Milestone: Happy 40th birthday to our Australian Craniofacial Unit

ZAC Thring’s family knew their son was in the good hands of Adelaide’s world-leading Australian Craniofacial Unit the moment he was born.

12/11/15 - CRANIOFACIAL UNIT 40TH BIRTHDAY - a patient since he was born Zac Thring 14 with Prof David David, founder of the Australian craniofacial unit - pic Mike BURTON

ZAC Thring’s family has spent a young lifetime — he’s now 14 — grateful for the good hands of Adelaide’s world-leading Australian Craniofacial Unit.

Zac was diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare congenital defect, within a few days of birth.

He has spent his life getting help from the team of medical experts headed by craniofacial surgeon Professor David David, based in Adelaide.

The teenager has endured numerous operations, including a major one on his jaw to help him breathe, speak and chew. The unit’s work is based on ensuring practical function as well as aesthetics. Zac is one of thousands of people from across Australia and the world who have benefited from the unit’s life-changing work since it was established in 1975.

Yesterday, the Australian Craniofacial Unit officially celebrated its 40th birthday at a gala lunch at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Zac’s mother Mandy Thring, of Naracoorte, said her son had visited the unit up to 30 times every year since he was born.

“They do a fantastic job ... they’re like another arm of our family,” she said.

Ms Thring said Zac would continue to need operations until he turned 18.

Ms Thring, and Zac, praised the unit and its work.

“They see enormous potential in all children and deal with us with such grace,” she said. Zac said: “I really appreciate all of the support I get.”

Prof David David yesterday applauded his team on 40 years of hard work.

“It’s an amazing achievement for the team to have stayed together and operate this way,” he said.

Prof David has one birthday wish. He urged the state and federal governments to support the unit to become a national centre to treat all complex craniofacial cases from across Australia.

“(We) should have one centre which should be in Adelaide for the serious stuff — and each of the other states has a minor centre and they co-operate together for the benefit of the patients,” Prof David said.

Originally published as Milestone: Happy 40th birthday to our Australian Craniofacial Unit