When Luke Senigasau learned his daughter needed urgent, expensive surgery, he was deeply worried, having only $16 to his name.
The situation laid out in an article by The Fiji Times on March 17, 1994, described how $10 was in his savings account and $6 in his pocket.
“When my wife informed me of the gravity of the situation, I showed her the money in my pocket and my bankbook, and we both realized the difficulty we would face. We had no idea where to begin,” said Mr. Senigasau, an assistant to a surveyor.
The challenge, however, began to resolve when doctors at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital reached out to the Fiji Sixes to raise funds for the surgery.
This led to an appeal for his 14-year-old daughter, Elenoa Dinacika, who had contracted rheumatic fever in 1991, necessitating lifesaving medical treatment.
Elenoa’s illness was so severe that she missed school for two years.
“Despite the grim start, I kept my faith in God, believing everything was in his hands and that it was His will that brought help our way.
“After we advertised the appeal in The Fiji Times, donations poured in, and we quickly amassed nearly $2000. I also withdrew money from my Fiji National Provident Fund, and with $3000 raised through the Fiji Sixes, we could afford to send my daughter to Brisbane for treatment.”
In February 1994, Elenoa was flown to Brisbane’s St Andrews War Memorial Hospital with her mother, Laite Senigasau, for the lifesaving operation. Air Pacific covered the airfares and other expenses, and Mr. Senigasau provided them pocket money from the appeal funds.
Doctors performed the surgery in late February 1994, utilizing pioneering cell-saver technology during the open-heart procedure. The surgery was successful.
“A few days before the surgery, my wife sent a fax saying the operation was scheduled for Tuesday and that Elenoa was in good health.”
The day after the surgery, Mr. Senigasau received a call from his wife, informing him that the operation was successful, though Elenoa needed to remain in bed for several days due to weakness.
“On Saturday, Laite called again, saying that Elenoa wanted to speak to me. Her first words were ‘Hello Ta’,” he shared happily.
He also learned from his wife that a local television crew and media personnel were visiting the hospital for an interview.
“She faxed me the story once it appeared in the local paper,” he said, displaying a faxed copy from the Sunday Herald.
Mr. Senigasau and his younger daughter, Mere, eagerly awaited Elenoa and Laite’s return from Australia.
“The other day we received a fax from Elenoa, saying she was fine and looking forward to coming home,” he added.
“She mentioned she’d bring chocolates. Just the other night, Mere wrote a note to Elenoa asking her to take care and not to forget her chocolates.”
When asked if he had any plans for Elenoa’s return, Mr. Senigasau affirmed, “Of course, I will.” He continued, “When I last spoke to her, she said she wanted to eat love when she got back, and I will ensure she gets that.”
Elenoa and her mother were expected to return home in two to three weeks. Would Elenoa be going back to school?
“She will. Our priority is to ensure she gets back to school, and we don’t mind if she’s a few years behind because she is smart and learns fast.”