BSP Life hosted a Christmas lunch and gift distribution for eight cancer-stricken children from WOWS Kids and their families at BSP Life Centre in Suva on Monday.

One of the eight children was five-year-old Avolonia Draiva who attended the lunch with her mother Ana Qolodua.

“My daughter was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma last year in November. So we spent Christmas in the hospital,” Ms Qolodua said.

“It was not easy for me and my family to cope with Avolonia’s suffering,” she said.

“I had to resign from Mindpearl to look after my daughter. I also have two other boys.”

Currently, Avolonia is receiving treatment through chemotherapy.

Through all the ups and downs for her family, Avolonia has taught her mother especially to be positive.

“My daughter has encouraged me to have hope and be strong to tackle any obstacle life throws at me,” said Ms Qolodua.

“I want all the families to have a very Merry Christmas and always monitor what your children eat.

“It’s very important to give them a healthy and balanced diet especially during this festive season.

“I am also grateful to BSP and WOWS Kids for hosting this lunch for us.”

Avolonia along with other kids also received a surprise from BSP.

Former Country Manager for BSP Kevin McCarthy said: “It’s very emotional to see children suffering from cancer. You can see how strong these children are, fighting with cancer. The parents have to be strong to manage the situation and deal with it.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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