When Alisi Angel Ravouvou Verevinaka was only three years old, her family received devastating news: she had cancer. The youngest of four siblings, Alisi had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and a swollen belly, which her family initially attributed to dietary issues. However, a visit to the Nausori Health Centre in 2017 led to a shocking discovery.
Doctors suspected fluid buildup in her liver and quickly transferred Alisi to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva. For a week, her mother, Alinda Alice Verevinaka, anxiously awaited the results of various tests, including a CT scan. When the dreaded news came, her world changed forever.
“When I found out that she had cancer, I was shattered. As we all know, no one survives cancer,” Alinda recalled. “Watching her fight as a three-year-old, I felt overwhelmed, but I knew I had to be strong for her. I prayed for her life and never showed weakness in front of her.”
Alisi was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a rare kidney cancer that marked only the second case recorded in Fiji. The medical team acted swiftly, beginning chemotherapy as Alisi’s condition worsened.
The next three months were filled with intense treatment, and despite her small stature, Alisi displayed remarkable strength. Her family faced numerous challenges during this time. “It’s been difficult for our entire family since she is the youngest, and we spent a lot of time away from home,” Alinda shared. She expressed gratitude for her husband’s family, who supported them by taking care of Alisi’s siblings while they were in the hospital.
Financial strain added to their hardships, with Alisi’s father being the sole provider. However, hope emerged through the WOWS Kids Fiji charity. Alinda explained, “We didn’t have much money, but with help from family, we connected with WOWS. They have been instrumental in assisting with medical bills, transportation, and weekly supplies during her hospital stays.”
In February 2018, Alisi underwent successful surgery to remove her right kidney and part of her liver, but the fight against cancer was not over. She needed to travel to Christchurch, New Zealand, for six weeks of radiation treatment to eradicate any remaining cancer cells.
Now, six years later, Alisi is cancer-free and thriving, embodying the resilience of a child and the enduring love of a mother. Alisi aspires to become a flight attendant, a career path that her parents wholeheartedly support. “We will do our best to make her dreams come true,” her mother declared with resolve.
Alisi’s journey highlights the profound strength found in a mother’s love, the critical role of community support, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes.