Alumeci Koroitamana is the mother of 12-year-old James Taito, who was diagnosed with burkitt lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, at just four years old. Today, James is thriving, attending school, playing rugby, and enjoying time with his friends.
Ms. Koroitamana attributes their survival through this challenging period to divine support, the skilled medical team, and the assistance provided by WOWS Kids Fiji. “With the huge support my baby received from family and the prayers from people, my child overcame one of the rarest forms of cancer,” she expressed.
James’s cancer diagnosis devastated the Koroitamana family. Ms. Koroitamana shared that it took doctors two months to determine the cause of James’s illness. It wasn’t until a visiting doctor from abroad assessed him in the hospital that they identified burkitt lymphoma. James spent two months at CWM Hospital, undergoing tests and finally starting surgery and chemotherapy.
There was a significant swelling in his large intestine that required surgical intervention. However, by this point, the cancer had started to spread, prompting the decision to begin chemotherapy. “It was incredibly challenging, but we believed God was with us,” Ms. Koroitamana said.
As time went on, Ms. Koroitamana noted that their faith was sometimes tested amid the struggles, including frequent hospital visits, medical expenses, and negative comments from others. “It all weighed heavily on us,” she recalled. She expressed gratitude to the doctors for their care, emphasizing that without the community’s support, they might have felt lost.
Now, James is a healthy 12-year-old who attends Navuakece District School, actively playing rugby and enjoying life. Ms. Koroitamana extended her appreciation to WOWS Kids Fiji for their crucial support during a difficult time. They provided various forms of assistance, including recharge cards, food vouchers, transportation fare, and funds for medication.
“We are incredibly thankful for WOWS Kids Fiji and the doctors, because without them, my baby wouldn’t have survived,” she concluded.