When Vakaloloma Sugu was pregnant with her third child three years ago, she sensed that her body was reacting differently than during her previous pregnancies. It wasn’t until the birth of her son, Elijah Moraiah Raivalita, that doctors confirmed her doubts.
“I felt lumps all over my body, and my belly felt heavier than usual,” Ms. Sugu explained. “I was far weaker compared to my other pregnancies. I suspected something was wrong, but the medical staff at the clinics declared that everything was normal.”
Like any expectant mother, Ms. Sugu eagerly awaited her child’s arrival, but this time, her hopes for a healthy delivery were met with alarming news. “The doctors informed me that Elijah’s heartbeat was irregular and that they needed to perform an emergency C-section,” she recounted.
Following the surgery, she did not get to see Elijah immediately as he was taken to another room. She watched as nurses brought other mothers their babies, longing for the same experience. “I requested my son, and they told me the doctor needed to speak with me. That made me anxious,” she admitted.
After several anxious moments, the doctors revealed that Elijah had a bloated stomach and would require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for further tests. “I rushed to see him and broke down. His tiny body covered in needles moved me to tears,” said Ms. Sugu.
Days later, the test results arrived, and the doctors confirmed that Elijah had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. “It was hard to accept. They told us there was a tumor next to his kidney, and his liver was swollen,” she recalled. “Hearing the word ‘cancer’ caught my husband and me off guard. We immediately thought it was a life-or-death situation.”
Reflecting on their limited understanding of cancer, Ms. Sugu shared that she was unaware of organizations like WOWS Kids or that survivors existed. “WOWS Kids Fiji helped us from denial to acceptance. They provided medication, transportation, and various forms of support. They truly felt like an answer to our prayers, and the backing from family and friends has been incredible.”
Just a month after his birth, Elijah started chemotherapy. A few weeks later, they were scheduled for surgery to remove the tumor. “I remember that day vividly; we prayed for God to be in control and present in the operating room before we even arrived at the hospital,” Ms. Sugu said.
Upon reaching the hospital, doctors delivered astonishing news: the final tests showed that Elijah’s tumor had disappeared. “His body had returned to normal,” she stated.
This revelation brought delight, tears, and prayers of gratitude for the family. “It was pure happiness, showcasing God’s faithfulness to those who trust Him. Our faith was tested, and we were rewarded tenfold,” Ms. Sugu expressed.
Today, her three-year-old son is among the youngest cancer survivors in the nation. “He is a joyful and energetic child, full of life. It’s a blessing that he made it through. His resilience truly defines Elijah,” she commented.
Despite the change in his diagnosis, the family remains protective of him. Ms. Sugu emphasized that their miraculous journey serves as a lesson to other parents about the importance of faith and early detection. “If your child is unwell, take them to the hospital; don’t keep them at home. Ensure they receive proper medical care.”