SHARING personal health experiences with people can be a challenging and emotional task, says cancer survivor Laisa Vulakoro.
Vulakoro said she was diagnosed with an infectious brain tumour, which is a fast-growing cancer, in 2008 and the news took her by surprise.
“I was in complete shock as I always felt this was the kind of thing that happened to other people,” she said.
“My son was only three months old, we were still building our home, we did not have insurance and not enough finances for my operation.
“I was fortunate that through my husband, a lot of assistance came through and our doctors were very helpful throughout the process.”
Vulakoro said a kind, caring and giving attitude would always bring rewards to a person in their hour of need.
“I have always travelled with my husband around the region when he works and I used to raise funds through my singing for the different sporting federations so when they heard I was sick, they all contributed towards my operation.
“My mother-in-law lived in Perth and she was able to connect us to a neurosurgeon and we stayed there for about two months while I had my operation, which took about three hours. During and after the diagnosis and operation, I found that it was really important for people to be understanding so that they could help you better.”
Vulakoro shared her experience at the Bushells Biggest Morning Tea event at Credit Corporation (Fiji) Ltd yesterday.
