For parents Meresiana Leba and Seremaia Namanurua from Wainibuka, discovering that their newborn son, Orisi Ratulevu, had cancer was a heart-wrenching moment. Following his birth, Orisi was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and for three weeks, Ms. Leba could not see her son. Doctors discovered a cyst in his stomach and conducted further tests that led to a cancer diagnosis.
The family spent an additional month in the hospital, ultimately receiving the news that Orisi required surgery to remove the cancerous cyst and bile affecting his stomach. Ms. Leba provided her consent for the operation, not realizing that surgeons would also need to remove Orisi’s left kidney, which had been compromised.
Now one year old, Orisi is thriving, playing with other children in the village. His parents follow strict dietary guidelines: no cold food or juice, no meat, and he must stay warm. Despite these restrictions, they express gratitude for the support extended to them throughout the ordeal.
They acknowledge the emotional and practical support from their family and organizations like WOWS Kids Fiji, which assisted with transportation, medicine, and groceries. The family feels blessed for the care they received and remains thankful to the doctors and the community for their tremendous support during this challenging time.