When Vakaloloma Sugu was pregnant three years ago with her third child, she noticed unusual changes in her body compared to her previous pregnancies. After the birth of her son, Elijah Moraiah Raivalita, doctors confirmed her concerns.
“I had lumps all over my body, and my pregnant belly felt heavier than usual,” Ms. Sugu shared. “I was also much weaker than in my other pregnancies.” Despite her worries, healthcare professionals at her appointments assured her everything was normal.
As the delivery approached, Ms. Sugu hoped for a healthy baby, but soon received distressing news. “The doctors told me Elijah’s heartbeat was abnormal, and they needed to perform an emergency C-section,” she recounted.
Due to the urgency of the situation, Ms. Sugu was unable to see her newborn immediately after delivery. “I watched as nurses brought in other babies, and I desperately wanted to hold my son,” she said. When she inquired about Elijah, she was informed that a doctor needed to speak with her, heightening her anxiety.
Eventually, the doctors revealed that Elijah had a swollen stomach and required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for additional tests. “I was devastated upon seeing him; his small body was covered with needles, and it broke my heart,” she recalled.
Days later, the diagnosis came: Elijah had neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. “Hearing that one word—cancer—caught my husband and me off guard. We immediately thought of life and death,” Ms. Sugu remembered. They were unaware of organizations like WOWS Kids that provide support to families facing such challenges.
WOWS Kids Fiji played a crucial role in helping Ms. Sugu and her family transition from denial to acceptance. “They provided assistance with medication, transportation, and other vital support,” she said, expressing deep gratitude. “Their help was a true blessing, and the support from family was immense.”
Just a month after his birth, Elijah began his first round of chemotherapy, followed by surgery to address the tumor. Ms. Sugu vividly recalls the day of the surgery, reflecting on the power of their prayers for divine intervention.
When they arrived at the hospital, the doctors delivered astonishing news: Elijah’s tumor had vanished. “His body has returned to normal,” Ms. Sugu stated, filled with emotion.
The family was overwhelmed with joy at this miraculous outcome, seeing it as a testament to their faith. “This was pure happiness and showed God’s faithfulness to those who trust in Him,” she said.
Today, her three-year-old son is one of the youngest cancer survivors in the nation. “Elijah is now a lively and healthy child bursting with energy. It’s a privilege that he made it through. His strength defines his spirit,” she shared.
Despite the challenges they faced, Ms. Sugu and her family remain vigilant in protecting him. She emphasizes the vital lesson learned through Elijah’s journey about faith and resilience.
The family advocates for the importance of early medical intervention, urging other parents, “If your child is unwell, take them to the hospital; don’t leave them at home. Ensure they receive proper medical care.”