Mum Preserves To Support RHD Daughter
RHD is a serious heart condition that occurs following an attack of acute rheumatic fever which can occur after a strong immune response to a throat infection caused by strep throat infection.
Thursday 05 October 2023 | 09:17
Selita Leba and daughter Karalaini Sivonavaki in Labasa on September 30, 2023. Photo: Shratika Naidu
A devoted Tabia mother is defying all odds to ensure her 15-year-old daughter, who is a Rheumatic Heart Disease patient, attends school.
Selita Leba, 40, does odd jobs to support her four children including Karalaini Sivonavaki, a Year 10 student at Tabia Sanatan College.
Karalaini was diagnosed with RHD a few months after her birth.
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RHD is a serious heart condition that occurs following an attack of acute rheumatic fever which can occur after a strong immune response to a throat infection caused by strep throat infection.
“There were few months where Karalaini would ignore the need to go to Nasea Health Centre to get Benza injection as she didn’t want to live,” Ms Leba said.
“There were days where teachers would advise that Karalaini didn’t feel like to study as she often suffered to RHD related problems.”
Ms Leba said she would work out all means to encourage her daughter to live and study.
“Karalaini is a beautiful child of God and no matter what the situation is for us as a family, I want her to fight a good fight and be an inspiration to the young generation,” she said.
“It is definitely not easy to raise four children alone, but I choose to be a supportive mother.”
An emotional Karalaini said there were days she felt ending her life because of the numerous challenges.
“As RHD patient we can’t play or do things like a normal person and it’s painful to have monthly injection,” Karalaini said.
“I want to become a police officer to support my mother and I hope I can achieve my dream to give her happy moments.”
She turns 16 on Saturday.
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