“Grieving Mother’s Urgent Plea: The Vital Importance of Early Cancer Detection”

A grieving mother, Miriama Vosa, is making an urgent appeal to parents after the tragic loss of her 13-year-old son, Isoa Valelevu, to cancer. Ms. Vosa emphasizes the critical importance of early detection in cancer treatment, sharing that her family had no prior history of the disease. Unfortunately, by the time Isoa was diagnosed, it was already too late for effective treatment.

Isao was admitted to CWM Hospital’s pediatric oncology unit just a week before his passing. In his last days, he had a poignant conversation with his doctor, expressing a desire to return home to be with his siblings. Ms. Vosa recalls those moments, noting how he sought their forgiveness and even took the time to plan his own funeral, choosing a theme of white and yellow—white for his journey to a better place and gold to honor those who had passed and those still fighting.

The days leading up to his death were marked by unbearable pain, and despite the strongest painkillers, relief was elusive. As Ms. Vosa reflected on her son’s suffering, she acknowledged the difficulty of letting go, yet recognized that keeping him in pain would have been unfair.

Now, motivated by her heartbreaking experience, Ms. Vosa urges parents to advocate for their children’s health. If a child shows persistent illness even after multiple visits to health centers, she strongly recommends seeking further evaluation at a hospital. “Early detection can save lives,” she stresses. “If you keep taking your child to the health centre and they keep getting Panadol or Amoxyl, but the sickness keeps coming back, please take them straight to CWM Hospital and get them tested.”

Ms. Vosa conveys her wish that no other family endure the same pain, stating, “I don’t wish this pain on anyone—not even my worst enemy.” Yet, she finds solace knowing that her son is now free from pain, hoping her message can prevent another family’s heartache.

This heartfelt story highlights the critical role of early detection in health care, serving as a powerful reminder for all parents to remain vigilant about their children’s health. It inspires a call to action that could potentially save lives and provide hope for families facing medical challenges.