EMALI Kurulo, a resident of Kese Village in Naviti, Yasawa, discovered that her six-year-old daughter, Kitiana Leba, had a heart defect only after a heart screening organized by the Sai Prema Foundation took place on the island. Last week, Leba was among 12 children who successfully underwent heart surgery at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital and received a “gift of life” certificate on Friday.
Ms. Kurulo, a mother of three, expressed her gratitude towards the Sai Prema Foundation and the hospital, noting that they have provided lifesaving surgeries to 332 children since the foundation was established in April 2022. “This hospital is a blessing for us,” she shared.
Kitiana, the youngest of Ms. Kurulo’s children, exhibited concerning symptoms when she was just three years old. “She wasn’t eating well and felt tired often,” Ms. Kurulo recalled. After taking her to a doctor and trying herbal remedies suggested by her mother, they were informed during the screening that Kitiana had a hole in her heart, leading to an emotional response.
Ms. Kurulo expressed relief that the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital was available. “If it weren’t for this hospital, I don’t know how I would have managed to take my child abroad for treatment,” she said, unaware prior to the screening that such a facility existed in Suva providing free services.
On September 24, the day of Kitiana’s successful surgery, Ms. Kurulo plans to celebrate as her daughter’s second birthday. “This was the day when she was given the gift of life,” she noted. She emphasized how critical the screening was, stating, “Without it, we wouldn’t have known about her condition, and her health would have continued to decline.”
Following the surgery, Ms. Kurulo observed a remarkable improvement in Kitiana’s health, noting her newfound energy. She has shared the positive news with friends and family back home, who are delighted by the outcome. Ms. Kurulo is deeply appreciative of the hospital’s services, describing it as a “home away from home,” praising the compassionate care and remarkable facilities provided during their stay.