President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and First Lady Vilomena Katonivere hosted the staff of the Office of the President and members of the Fiji Cancer Society on Monday to celebrate Diwali and commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In addressing the staff members, the President said that the celebrations were an opportunity for all Fijians to acknowledge our shared diversity, our uniqueness as Fijians and the beauty of life.

He further reiterated the need for all Fijians to be diligent when it came to matters concerning health as many Fijians have lost loved ones to cancer.

Belinda Chan, the chief executive officer of the Fiji Cancer Society was present for the lunch.

She said that while cancer is real, in the 29 years the society, general stigma still exists.

There is little to no understanding of the struggles that anyone with cancer deals with. She further divulged on the work that the Fiji Cancer Society conducts and its prime role on advocacy awareness and patient support for a cancer free Fiji.

The Fiji Cancer Society’s greatest advocacy driver is the celebration of life and that no one fights alone.

She closed her sentiments with an encouragement of the staff of the Office of the President – both men and women, to begin and continue the discussions around cancer and early detection and the responsibility of all Fijians to support those who have cancer even if it’s just listening to a patient, or talking about what you are going through medically with a medical expert or a trusted person in the journey to eradicate many if not all stigma that surrounds cancer.

Mele Koroi, a 50 year old breast cancer survivor was present at the event, shared her journey in battling breast cancer.

“I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and after being informed of this medically, I drank every herbal medicine you can think of, in trying to avoid the inevitable,” she said

She also said that she kept delaying getting the necessary treatment she needed.

“I am very grateful to my husband and our five children for their support and understanding throughout my battle with cancer, the Fiji Cancer Society for their genuine concern, empathy and support system during treatments and review dates, as well as the doctors and nurses at the CWM Hospital,” Mrs Koroi said.

Mrs Koroi further shared that her faith in God helped her immensely in her journey and kept her positive through it all. She further encouraged women to get checked and when diagnosed to not delay in getting treatment.

Source: Office of the President

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