Mother urges parents to recognise childhood cancer warning signs

As Fiji marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a mother whose young son is nearing the end of chemotherapy treatment is urging parents not to ignore persistent signs of illness, saying early medical intervention could save lives.

Timaima Sorovaki of Lawaki, Nakesoleka, Kadavu, shared the emotional journey of her son, Joseva Nawaqavanua, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just one year and seven months old.

Now in his second year of treatment, Joseva has only a few months of chemotherapy remaining, but the journey has included repeated hospital admissions, painful procedures and emotional hardship.

"The hospital has become our second home," Ms Sorovaki said.

She said one of the most difficult parts of the treatment was her son's "difficult veins", which often required multiple attempts before chemotherapy could be administered.

"Sometimes we would use up to five wingless needles, and there were times we went through as many as seven before they found a vein. Seeing your child being poked several times is one of the hardest challenges I face as a mother."

Despite the ordeal, she said she remained strong to encourage her son through treatment.

Ms Sorovaki shared her family's story during the launch of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, where she acknowledged the support of the WOWS Kids Fiji Foundation and its donors.

She said the organisation had eased the burden on families by providing transport assistance to and from hospital.

"Knowing that we are not alone gives us strength. The financial support, transport assistance and generosity from donors have really helped families like ours."

Reflecting on the early stages of her son's illness, Ms Sorovaki said the warning signs initially appeared to be common childhood ailments.

"He had a fever, lost his appetite and became weak. Eventually he couldn't walk. We thought it was just a normal sickness."

After several hospital visits with little improvement, she insisted doctors carry out a blood test.

"I demanded a blood test because I knew something wasn't right. Cancer never crossed my mind."

The results revealed three possible diagnoses, including leukemia. Further tests confirmed the disease, with doctors finding that 86 per cent of his blood cells were cancerous blasts.

"Hearing the word leukemia, we thought death was right in front of us. But the doctors kept telling us there was still hope."

She credited the medical team caring for her son and the WOWS Kids Fiji Foundation for helping the family through the most difficult period of their lives.

Now, as Joseva approaches the completion of chemotherapy, Ms Sorovaki hopes other parents will learn from her experience.

"My message to parents is this: don't ignore even a small fever or loss of appetite. Sometimes we rely on herbal medicine or think it's just the flu, but if your child isn't getting better, ask for further tests."

She said early diagnosis could make a critical difference.

"If I can encourage one parent to seek medical help early, then sharing our story is worth it."

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of childhood cancers, promote early detection and recognise the challenges faced by children undergoing treatment and the families supporting them.