Leanne Overcomes Health Issues to Graduate with Triumph

Leanne Cavu’s self-belief defines her success in overcoming an early speech impediment due to heart issues (rheumatic heart).

She learned there was no cure available, but for her, there was more to lift with university on the bucket list, places to be, and things to do.

Ms Cavu graduated from the University of the South Pacific (USP) with her foundation and undergraduate studies, pursuing a double major in Law and Sociology.

She labels it ‘triumph over turbulent’ times.

“It wasn’t easy at all. I have had to endure constant anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts for different reasons, where frustration and fear made it hard to breathe, but I still showed up,” Ms Cavu said.

“It was all about learning from scratch and every word re-learned was a victory through the mention of Jesus because every tongue shall confess that He is Lord.”

Not knowing what the future held, but with her faith and belief in God, everything was possible.

“I look forward to working in private or public spaces, cheer me on, life to live,” she said.

It was in her final school year (2019) at Suva Grammar School, while her classmates were preparing to graduate, that she found a hospital to be her home.

Diagnosed with invasive heart valve syndrome, in-synced and it affected her speech.

“All these and more had me admitted to MOIT Hospital in Suva. I missed out on my high school graduation,” she said.

Her condition had worsened as bacteria had infected her vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain.

It called for immediate medical treatment; she travelled to India and was admitted to the MIOT Hospital in Chennai.

“A doctor, nurse, and my mum had to accompany me to India. The injection and oxygen had to be given during the trip,” she shared.

There she underwent a nine-hour procedure, and after she spent a good two weeks in the hospital, she returned home.

Her elder sister, Talei Cavu, a confidant, became an in-house nurse and a teacher.

She worked on articulation and pronunciation, stuttering and fluency disorder, hoarseness, vocals, comprehension, and expression issues.

“It was a process, excruciating, but God is always good. It was after a few months that I got my vocals and words to interpret back.”

Ms Cavu had always wanted to become a lawyer, a childhood dream, but instead decided to take up Law and Sociology at USP.

She enrolled in 2020, going against her family’s advice to take a year’s break to recuperate.

“I had been through a lot already, what else could go wrong?” she said.

With the support of her family and friends, Ms Cavu made a promise to her mum and sister that she would graduate with a degree when all her calamities were behind her.

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