Trust your mother's instincts; if your child is unwell and you feel something is wrong, please take your child to the hospital. Early detection is very important because it saves lives.
These are the words of Victoria Taria, one of the parents featured on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, as she shares her emotional journey of caring for her seven-year-old son Jeremiah Matiraviravi, who was diagnosed with orbital sarcoma in 2024 at the age of five.
Her message comes as Fiji continues to record an average of 20 to 30 new childhood cancer cases every year, with around 20 children losing their lives annually.
Taria says her son's illness began suddenly when he woke up one morning with swollen eyes, and within a week she took him to two different health centres before eventually taking him to CWM Hospital.
She says that before the diagnosis, Jeremiah showed several signs; he was always sleepy, did not want to eat, and was losing a lot of weight which caused them concern
She described the moment doctors told her about the diagnosis of cancer as devastating.
INSERT: Taria on hearing cancer diagnosis 26th Mar
The mother of four says financial challenges delayed critical testing, including a $400 contrast needed for an MRI scan, which was eventually done with support from the WOWS Kids organisation.
She says she spent three months in hospital with Jeremiah, separated from her three other children for the first time.
She adds that it was a very hard and emotional time, as she was caring for her son while also worrying about whether her daughters were safe.
Jeremiah underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which Taria describes as one of the most painful parts of the journey.
INSERT: Taria on treatment 26th Mar
Taria says there were times when she had to leave the room because it was too painful to see her son crying.
She says she wished there was another option, but there was none, and she had to tell her son that he needed to receive the medication to get better.
She says it was heartbreaking because after the medication, he would vomit and did not want to eat anything.
She says it was hurtful to see him losing weight and his hair, and the child she gave birth to looked completely different.
Taria says her faith and the support from her family, church members and the WOWS family kept them going.
She says her son was also fortunate to receive further treatment in India.
She says it was an emotional and very difficult chapter of their lives, but today Jeremiah is recovering and enjoying life as a little boy.
Taria is also encouraging other parents to act quickly and for mothers to trust their instincts, stressing that early detection is very important because it saves lives.
Meanwhile, the Communications Fiji Ltd Foundation charity walk from Nausori to Suva starts at 8am this Saturday.
The walk aims to raise important funds for the ongoing treatment of children living with cancer in Fiji.
We will also have several locations, including our home at 231 Waimanu Road in Suva, where you can come and make your donations for the children and their families who need this assistance.
According to recent statistics from WOWS Kids Fiji, there are currently 70 children under the age of 18 living with cancer.
We believe that this number is what is on record and that the actual number is higher.
Senior Content Director of Navtarang and Radio Sargam, Satya Nand, will again lead the team to garner support from around the country, raising awareness about the challenges facing children in Fiji and mobilising public support to deliver urgent assistance to those in need.
We also extend a personal invitation to you to join hands with us for this worthy cause, and join our charity walk or make your contribution to assist the children living with cancer.
The important work of those who care for our children battling cancer will greatly benefit from your valuable donation, as well as provide much-needed relief to the children’s families.
Donations can be sent via:
Communications Fiji Limited Appeal Account
WBC Account 9800935794
You can also send your donation via the M-PAiSA or MyCash apps by selecting CFL in the vendor drop down list.
Thank you for your generosity and for making the health of Fiji’s children a priority.
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