Ms Navakaroko said Ratu Joseva was only one-year-old when the family learned about his LCH cancer in his back bone

Six-year-old Ratu Joseva Navakaroko, a Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) cancer survivor celebrated his birthday during the World Cancer Day 2018 launch at Albert Park in Suva on Saturday.

LCH is a type of cancer that can damage tissue or cause lesions to form in one or more places in the body. The signs and symptoms of LCH depend on where it is in the body.

Ratu Joseva’s mother, Cathy Navakaroko was a proud mother present during the celebration.

Ratu Joseva originally of Naqelewai, Nabobuco in Naitasiri, and youngest of two siblings, was the youngest cancer survivor present at the launch.

Ms Navakaroko said Ratu Joseva was only one-year-old when the family learned about his LCH cancer in his back bone.

She said it was a heart breaking moment for the family to learn about his cancer.

“I kept praying to God every day so God could give us strength to be strong and help my son to be stronger to fight cancer.

“We were very happy when we learned that his surgery will be done at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) as we could not afford for his treatment overseas,” Ms Navakaroko said.

She was happy that Ratu Joseva had survived the cancer as it built better self-esteem for him.

Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar

Feedback:  ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj