Ten-year-old Autiko Kamaiwaca remains resilient and optimistic despite undergoing seven years of medical treatment and hospital stays for Wilms Tumor, a rare kidney cancer primarily affecting children. His mother, Luisa Nauvaci, recalls the diagnosis that occurred in 2017 when Autiko was just three years old while they were living in Kashmir, Lautoka.
Wilms Tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most common kidney cancer in children, typically impacting those aged 3 to 4. While it becomes less common after five, it can still affect older children and adults.
Nauvaci shares a pivotal moment when she first noticed a swelling on the right side of Autiko’s body during bath time. Initially thinking it was minor, she took him to the Kamikamica Health Centre the next day, leading to a referral to Lautoka Hospital due to the alarming swelling.
Upon their arrival at the hospital, Autiko was admitted immediately for observation, leading to the eventual diagnosis of cancer after scans revealed a swollen kidney. Fortunately, the infected kidney had not burst, which could have resulted in a more severe situation.
Throughout his treatment, Autiko underwent chemotherapy, resulting in hair and weight loss. His family faced significant hardships, especially with his father unemployed at times and his grandfather providing support by selling produce at the market. Despite these struggles, Nauvaci expresses gratitude for the timely discovery of Autiko’s condition, which potentially saved his life.
Now a Year Five student at Loma Primary School, Autiko continues to exhibit strength and resilience. Nauvaci observes that he shows no signs of weakness while engaging with friends and playing sports. She credits the support they received from WOWS Kids Fiji, an organization that provided food and supplies during difficult times.
The family has since relocated to Narata along Valley Road in Sigatoka, where Autiko remains a happy child, embracing life with unwavering optimism.