The Self Care Retreat Hub for women cancer survivors officially opened in Nabua yesterday, marking a pivotal step in providing support for individuals who have battled cancer.
Mereane Vavataga, the chief executive officer of Self Care Retreat Fiji, emphasized the significance of the new facility. “It’s an oasis where women cancer survivors can come when sickness overwhelms them,” Ms. Vavataga explained. She added that it serves as a safe space for these women to share their experiences and discuss the challenges they face.
Founded in 2021, the NGO is dedicated to aiding women cancer survivors in their spiritual, emotional, and mental healing. Ms. Vavataga highlighted that twice a year, they engage a different group of survivors at a hotel to foster relationships and build trust. Following these retreats, participants join a three-week Bible study program focused on spiritual, emotional, and personal healing.
At the opening ceremony, Senior Pastor Manasa Kolivuso of Faith Harvest Church in Nausori praised the initiative, stating, “Thank you so much for setting up this hub so that people can find a safe haven, a refuge, a place where they can identify with people like you who are concerned.”
Cancer survivor Bulamarau Tikoduadua shared her inspiring story at the event, reflecting on her battle with cancer. “A year ago today, I was completely paralysed. My cancer journey was short but aggressive,” she recounted. Her testimony underscored the urgent need for support systems like the Self Care Retreat Hub. “I’m really grateful for this organization because after cancer aftercare/after treatment is quite lonely,” she noted.
Ms. Vavataga expressed ambitions for the organization’s future, including plans to open a hospice, asserting that this is just the beginning. The Self Care Retreat Fiji relies on donations and partnerships to support its activities. “Even for this building, I had to shave my hair to raise funds,” she revealed, referencing her involvement in the recent ‘Shave it or Save it’ campaign.