Veiuto Primary rallies to save brave student fighting 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 something far more urgent — saving the life of one of its own.

The school community is rallying behind Year Eight student Katalina Sokiveta, who is battling a rare and aggressive eye tumour, a fast-growing lump behind her eye that is damaging her vision, causing intense pain, and beginning to spread to other parts of her body.

Her left eye has been severely affected, her vision clouded, and the pain so overwhelming that she now struggles to eat. Doctors say she urgently needs overseas treatment.

To help, Veiuto has launched a simple but powerful $2 fundraising drive, calling on students, parents, ex-students, and the wider community to give whatever they can.

Year Eight Committee president Taufa Rabukawaqa said the entire school has come 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.”

A father’s fear

For Katalina’s father, Mesudroka Sokiveta, this year has been a journey of fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.

Just two weeks into the school year, Katalina’s teacher called, noticing something unusual.

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

A visit to the Eye Department followed. Months of tests later, in September, doctors delivered the news every parent dreads.

“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 deteriorated, Katalina was admitted to the Children’s Ward at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva.

Mr Sokiveta said doctors informed them that the life-saving treatment — including hormone therapy and specialised surgery — could only be carried out 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.”

A plea for help

With the tumour growing and time slipping away, the Sokiveta family is making a desperate appeal.

“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.

How to help

Those who wish to support Katalina’s treatment can donate through:

• M-Paisa: 8619521 or 9266822
• ANZ Bank: Account Number 0584813
  Account Name: Kelera Meki