Baby Maria with her father and mother in their Dili home, Apr 4 2006. Donations from Australia mean this baby can go to Australia for emergency surgery.

Virginia Dawson, a Bairo Pite coordinator, discusses with Maria's family about their upcoming trip to Australia.

There are many individuals in Timor-Leste who need life saving surgery.

Five year old Bonifacio has needed heart surgery since birth. Boni has regularly spent time in hospital. He doesn't go to school, as excitement might provoke heart failure. His father scrapes a living by collecting cans, and the child's illness is a major burden on the family's meagre resources.

Adults as well as children need life saving surgery.

Cipriano, 25, needs heart surgery that can only be performed overseas. He has had to stop school due to his heart condition. There is no possibility of help in Timor-Leste.

Jenita has had a tumour growing on her spine since birth. She can stand if she holds onto something, but cannot walk on her own. The condition is inoperable in Timor-Leste.