Rosette Andrews Singh is a 56-year-old grandmother who has managed to maintain her vibrant spirit despite having only two percent kidney function. Living with such a serious health condition, she is a well-known figure at the Korovou market, where she has dedicated the last 20 years to selling grog and fresh produce.
Rosette is fully aware of the gravity of her situation but remains resilient. “I usually go for my dialysis and then I’m back in the market,” she shared. As a kidney patient for three years, she can’t imagine staying home. Originally hailing from Kasavu near Savusavu Town, Rosette relocated to Korovou after getting married.
Her professional journey includes an impressive 18-year tenure at Morris Hedstrom (Carpenters Fiji Limited), where she advanced from a cashier to the branch manager in Korovou. After leaving that position to care for her grandchild, she eventually returned to the workforce as a market vendor.
Three years ago, her life took a drastic turn when she fell seriously ill. After a week of feeling unwell, experiencing swelling and vomiting, she sought medical attention. Initial visits to Korovou Hospital did not reveal the cause of her symptoms, prompting her to consult a private doctor. The diagnosis was alarming—her blood pressure had skyrocketed to 245, and her kidneys were failing. “I was really shocked when I was told I had only two percent kidney function,” she recounted.
Following a three-week hospital stay at CWM Hospital, doctors recommended a kidney transplant. Rosette’s husband offered to be a donor, but she chose to place her faith in God’s hands instead. “I said, if God allowed me to get this sickness, I have to accept it,” she explained, emphasizing her belief that all challenges come from a higher power.
Now, she undergoes regular dialysis treatment, which started in January 2023. The government subsidizes a portion of her treatment, with her five children helping to manage the expenses. “It’s hard—going to the hospital every day. Sometimes we don’t expect things like this to happen to us, but we accept God’s plans,” she noted.
To support her family, Rosette has strategically optimized her sales from Monday to Thursday when market competition is lower, as adjacent farmers sell their produce on the weekends. The income from her small business has been instrumental in raising her children and financing their education. “My husband and I struggled to bring up our five kids, but we made sure they went to school and had an education. Now our children are helping us,” she shared gratefully.
As the festive season approaches, Rosette encourages the public to take their health seriously, especially mothers, as their well-being affects the entire family. “There’s a lot of sickness around us like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. In this hot weather, the best thing we can do is be careful about what we eat,” she warned. She often subsists on fruits, thanks to her children’s vigilance regarding her diet. “If you love your family, remember to take care of your health; it’s the best gift you can give them,” she added.
Rosette’s life is a powerful testament to hope and resilience. Despite her formidable challenges, she continues to work diligently and support her family, offering inspiration and strength to those who know her. Her journey emphasizes that true strength lies not in the absence of struggle but in the courage to persevere amid adversity.
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