The Self Care Retreat (Fiji) Hub, dedicated to supporting women cancer survivors, was inaugurated yesterday in Nabua, marking a key development in the quest to assist those affected by cancer.
Mereane Vavataga, CEO of Self Care Retreat Fiji, emphasized the significance of the new center, describing it as a nurturing environment for women who have battled cancer. “It’s an oasis where women cancer survivors can come when sickness overwhelms them,” Ms. Vavataga stated. She highlighted it as a refuge for rest and nourishment—a secure space for sharing their experiences and the difficulties they encounter.
Founded in 2021, the nonprofit organization aims to aid women’s spiritual, emotional, and mental healing after cancer. Ms. Vavataga explained their initiative of taking groups of survivors to hotels twice a year to foster trust and connection, followed by a three-week Bible study program focusing on spiritual and emotional healing.
During the ceremony, Senior Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of Faith Harvest Church in Nausori lauded the hub, stating, “Thank you so much for setting up this hub so that people can find a safe haven, a refuge, a place where they can identify with others who care.”
Cancer survivor Bulamarau Tikoduadua shared her inspiring story, underscoring the importance of support systems like the Self Care Retreat Hub. “A year ago today, I was completely paralyzed. My cancer journey was short but aggressive,” she recounted. She expressed her gratitude for the organization, emphasizing the loneliness that often follows cancer treatment.
Ms. Vavataga shared her ambitions for the organization, including plans for a hospice, noting that this is merely the start. The Self Care Retreat Fiji relies heavily on donations and partnerships to facilitate its operations. “Even for this building, I had to shave my hair to raise funds,” she mentioned, referring to her participation in the ‘Shave it or Save it’ campaign earlier in the month.