Veiuto Primary launches fundraiser for student with rare eye tumour

While most schools are preparing for end-of-year celebrations and prize-giving ceremonies, Veiuto Primary School in Suva has turned its attention to saving the life of one of its own.

The school is fundraising for its Year Eight student, Katalina Sokiveta, who is battling a rare and dangerous eye tumour, a fast-growing lump behind her eye that is damaging her vision, causing severe pain, and spreading to other parts of her body.

The tumour has affected her left-eye vision, and she now finds it difficult to eat. She urgently needs treatment overseas.

The school has launched a $2 drive to help raise money for her medical trip to New Zealand.

Year Eight Committee president Taufa Rabukawaqa said the whole school stood together for Katalina.

“She hasn’t been with us at school because she is fighting this sickness,” Ms Rabukawaqa said.

“We are asking the public, ex-students, business owners, anyone, to please help. The amount needed is big, but we believe that together we can do this.”

For Katalina’s father, Mesudroka Sokiveta, this year has been filled with fear and pain.

At the start of the school year, only two weeks in, her teacher called to say something was wrong.

“Her handwriting was getting slower, and she told her teacher that her eyes were blurry,” Mr Sokiveta said.

They took her to the Eye Department for tests. Months later, in September, doctors confirmed the parents’ worst fear.

“They told us she had an eye tumour. It has grown and spread around her eye. She cannot see well and she cannot eat properly.”

As her condition worsened, Katalina was admitted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s Children’s Ward in Suva.

Mr Sokiveta said doctors informed the family that the treatment she needed, including hormone therapy and specialised surgery, could only be done at Starship Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

“The cost is NZ$88,000, which is about FJ$113,000,” Mr Sokiveta said. “We were told Fiji does not have the equipment for her case.”

For the Sokiveta family, time is running out.

“We are pleading to the public: please help us take her to New Zealand. Whatever you can give will help save her life,” Mr Sokiveta said.

Those willing to help can donate via M-Paisa to +679 8619521 or 9266822 or through ANZ Bank with the account number: 0584813 with the account name, Kelera Meki. 

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj