Alumeci Koroitamana is the mother of 12-year-old James Taito, who was diagnosed at the age of four with Burkitt lymphoma, one of the rarest types of cancer. Today, James is healthy, attending school, playing rugby, and enjoying time with his friends.
Koroitamana attributes their ability to overcome this challenging period to God’s grace, the support of medical professionals, and the assistance of WOWS Kids Fiji. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “With the huge support my baby got from the family and from people’s prayers, my baby survived one of the rarest forms of cancers.”
The diagnosis came as a shock to the Koroitamana family. It took doctors two months to determine the cause of James’s illness. A visiting overseas doctor eventually diagnosed him with Burkitt lymphoma after he was repeatedly hospitalized. James spent two months at CWM Hospital undergoing tests until he was finally admitted for surgery and chemotherapy.
Koroitamana recounted that there was significant swelling in his large intestine, which was removed through surgery. However, by that time, the cancer had started to spread to the rest of his intestine, prompting the decision to proceed with chemotherapy.
She reflected on the struggles the family faced, noting that there were moments of doubt and uncertainty regarding the doctors’ help, compounded by the challenges of hospital visits and the costs of medications. “The hospital visits, the price of medicine, even people’s negative talk weighed down on us,” she shared.
Despite these difficulties, she remained thankful for the care provided by the doctors and the support from others. Today, she proudly describes James as a healthy 12-year-old who attends Navuakece District School and participates in sports with his peers.
Koroitamana also praised WOWS Kids Fiji for their crucial support during a difficult time, mentioning they provided recharge cards, food vouchers during James’s hospital stay, transportation costs, and financial assistance for his medications. “We are so grateful to them and the doctors because, if it wasn’t for them, my baby wouldn’t have survived,” she said.