Arieta Toga, a 14-year-old student at St Joseph’s Secondary School, has turned her journey with lupus into a testament of resilience and the importance of support in education and healthcare. Moving to Suva from her hometown of Cakova Village in Lau for better educational opportunities, Arieta faced a new set of challenges when she began to experience severe lupus symptoms last year. The range of symptoms, including butterfly-shaped rashes and deep joint pain, led her family on a difficult path of consultations with various doctors before receiving a clear diagnosis in December.
Arieta’s experience highlights the emotional and psychological toll that a chronic illness can take, especially for a young teenager navigating school life away from home. The transition was difficult; living with relatives while attending school added to her feeling of isolation. Despite her pain, the encouragement from her uncle and the support of her school made a significant difference. Reflecting on her struggles, Arieta described how she often hid her pain to not burden her caregivers, which only intensified her suffering.
In the shadow of her health struggles, Arieta remained dedicated to her studies. With the support of her form teacher, she managed to sit for her annual exams while coping with debilitating symptoms. This determination culminated in her passing the exams, showcasing her resilience. Arieta credits her family, faith, and the power of prayer as pivotal in her recovery journey.
Currently, Arieta reports clear blood tests but continues regular consultations with her doctors. She has learned crucial lessons about strength and the importance of voicing her health concerns. Her story serves as a reminder of the necessity for empathy towards those with invisible illnesses, motivating awareness for lupus, which can often be misunderstood by those who do not experience its effects directly.
Arieta’s perspective on lupus is enlightening: she emphasizes the need for kindness and understanding towards individuals facing chronic health challenges. “If you don’t live with lupus, be supportive and understand that their pain, though invisible, is real,” she urges, conveying a message of solidarity and hope for others living with similar journeys.
In light of her experience, Arieta’s hope is that sharing her story fosters awareness for young girls like herself battling lupus, emphasizing that with the right support, it is possible to navigate through adversity. Her optimism and courage reflect a spirit that prevails even in the face of daunting challenges, inspiring others to remain hopeful and engaged with their health.
Leave a comment