Thirteen-year-old Rosemary Leah Kelesiwasi who is being diagnosed with a brain tumor is now in Fiji for medical attention.
Ms Kelesiwasi from ‘Suava’ in Lau and ‘Gwaidadai’ in Kwara’ae, Malaita Province traveled on Friday with her parents and a doctor, Dr Florence Fiuramo.
The trip was made possible following weeks of fundraising and support from families, friends, relatives and members of the public.
An online appeal was also launched via the ‘GoFundme page’, which managed to get 23 donations.
A group of photographers also teamed-up and pulled their resources and managed to raise more than $26k which also helped to support the family.
A Zumba group based in Honiara also raised some funds and supported the little girl and her parents to make the trip and meet medical expenses.
On Monday- 23 January 2023, his parents received the news about the tumor after undergoing two CT scans at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara.
Since then, the family have been working hard to secure financial support to get her overseas for medical attention treatment.
Her condition is caused by a tumor that had grown in her brain; doctors revealed.
Therefore, the only option left for them is to get overseas treatment.
In a statement on Friday, a relative said, “Rosemary Leah today (Friday) traveled to Fiji with her parents and Dr Florence Fiuramo for her medical treatment.”
The statement added that the family will continue to do fundraising while she is in Fiji.
The statement also thanked all families from all sides, friends, OMS, Zumba and the public for your continuous support and outpouring of prayers.
“You have given us faith, hope and love.”
Further acknowledgement was also made to Neo Horizon Private Clinic, Dr Baerodo, China Town Private Medical Clinic, Dr Divi for the Dengue Test and National Referral Hospital, Dr Janella Solomon, Dr Rooney Jagili and Dr Florence Fiuramo for their support.
“Thank you so much,” family members said.
Ms Kelesiwasi was a young bright student who did her primary education at Bejayme Christian Academy School located in Papaho, Central Honiara.
However, the disease had cut back on her quest for education.
When the disease hit, she was in grade 6 awaiting results for form 1 placement. And then Covid-19 hit.
There was a plan to transfer her to Coronation School in Chinatown to continue her secondary education but she was sick.
She had been experiencing severe headaches and difficulty to walk since April 2022.
The family was told in January that nothing could be done to help her given the limited facilities at National Referral Hospital (NRH).
Members of the family appealed for continuous support and prayers towards the girl while she is in Fiji.
“We will continue to need your support and prayers,” the statement added.
The statement concluded that they will continue providing updates on her recovery journey.
“We will keep you all posted on her recovery journey,” the statement reads.
By MOFFAT MAMU
