‘Our disease doesn’t define us’: RHD patient inspires youth
Avon Waqaivolavola, 23, thrives academically and in youth leadership despite living with rheumatic heart disease.
Friday 26 September 2025 | 03:00
Avon Waqaivolavola with her fellow Heart Heroes Champions during a peer leadership training.
Photo: Supplied
A young woman living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) says the condition doesn't have to be a blockade to achieving dreams and aspirations.
Avon Waqaivolavola, 23, was diagnosed with mild to moderate RHD in March 2022 after experiencing hearing and vision loss while at a bus stand.
"Our disease doesn't define who we are as people and it doesn't have to be a blockade to who we aspire to be," Ms Waqaivolavola said.
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Since her diagnosis, she has achieved remarkable milestones including being selected as Fiji's 2024 delegate to the Ubuntu United Nations Leaders Academy and working with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a voice of the Pacific Youth.
Mr Waqaivolavola has also participated in knowledge sessions aboard the Uto Ni Yalo vessel and serves as president of the president of the SAGEON (School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences) Student Association at the University of the South Pacific.
She is also the assistant to the treasurer of Heart Heroes Fiji Youth Club.
“Champions really can do so much even with the diagnosis. Some of us still play sports, some of us are Youth Parliamentarians, some of us are parents and flight attendants and so much more,” she said.
Ms Waqaivolavola’s symptoms were unusual as she experienced no fever or joint pain typically associated with rheumatic heart disease.
“My hearing started to go away. Everything around me just started going mute. The edges of my vision started going black until I couldn't really see or hear anything,” she said.
The episode lasted two to three minutes before her grandfather helped revive her with a cold water bottle.
Her message to newly diagnosed patients is one of hope and possibility.
"If you're living with RHD, you can do so much more than what you think you're capable of doing," Ms Waqaivolavola said.
She encourages parents not to limit their children with the condition, saying they should be encouraged to pursue their goals despite having a heart disease.
The university student now serves as assistant treasurer of the Heart Heroes Fiji Youth Club and is, roles she never imagined she could take on.
