SINCE its establishment in 2014, WOWS Kids Fiji has become a vital support network for children living with cancer across Fiji.
Operating as a registered charitable organisation, the group currently provides care and assistance to more than 70 children from all regions of Fiji.
According to the centre’s operational manager Mere Lutuciri-Williams, WOWS Kids Fiji coordinates crucial services for children in the Central, Western, Northern, and Maritime divisions.
The organisation has grown significantly over the years, evolving its services to meet the complex needs of young cancer patients.
“Our support covers children undergoing active chemotherapy treatment, those under palliative care, and survivors in remission – some even more than five years past their diagnosis,” Ms Lutuciri-Williams said.
“We work closely with doctors at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) and Aspen Medical in Lautoka, who notify us when a child is diagnosed so we can provide timely assistance.”
Ms Lutuciri-Williams said funding for these efforts comes from a combination of generous donations from the corporate sector, in-kind contributions, government grants, and community supporters.
She said one of the most significant challenges the organisation addresses was transportation.
Bringing children from their homes – often in remote areas – to hospitals for treatment and follow-up appointments, and then back home again, was a major logistical undertaking.
“Transportation is a major component of our work,” she said.
“We also cover medications not available at the hospitals, easing the burden on families already facing many difficulties.
“But we are thankful for those who have been generously donating to the centre which has helped us with our finances.”
