Women battling cancer
ing community outreaches to patients at their homes and in hospitals.
Recently, with the support of Westpac, the group gave two leather recliner chairs, two side tables and 24 blankets to the Oncology Ward at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for chemotherapy patients.
The group also thanked
Pure Fiji for gifting more than 500 sparkle bags to women at the CWM Hospital Oncology unit.
Ms Qalo says Friday has been earmarked for community outreach programs where the group visit women in their homes or give reading books to schools.
The cancers survivors combine hospital and cancer support combined with smiles and laughter at kindergartens and primary schools around the country.
In early February, five members of the group visited Nausori Village where they shared their cancer journeys and emphasised the importance of regular breast checks.
With gifts from sister organisations such as Bula Broads, Penguin Community Op Shop and Penguin District School in Australia, they take support and tools for teachers and students in Fiji.
The group also conducted community outreach programs in kindergartens distributing boxes of reading books, legos and toys.
The preschools included Tebara SDA Kindergarten in Nadali Village, Nausori, Muana Kindergarten in Toga, Rewa and Grace Kindergarten in Nairai Rd, Nausori.
Ms Qalo said for women fighting cancer, the resulting hair loss during chemotherapy was a huge blow to their self-esteem.
She said initiatives such as the ‘No Hair Don’t Care’ project started by Bula Broads two years ago with talented hair stylist Jone Volau and the Hair Lounge in Sports City went a long way towards boosting and uplifting spirits.
The team from the salon professionally shave heads, demonstrate make up hints and classes on how to wrap headscarves.
She said 110 scarves were gifted from sister organisations to women cancer warriors around the country and these allowed women to rejoin their community and church proudly whilst undergoing chemotherapy.
Ms Qalo says because members of the group have gone through challenge of battling with cancer, they decided to offer their experiences and knowledge to those who were currently being confronted by the disease.
Her motto is “living a life serving others, is a life worth living”.
AFTER receiving pleas for help on their Facebook page, the Suva Cancer Survivors established a helpline in a bid to assist those battling the dreaded disease and to provide support for people seeking information or aid in how to handle the fact that they had cancer.
And one of the most calming and soothing voices for those who call the help line is Suva Cancer Survivor operator Unaisi Lewagata.
The helpline, number 2494454, was launched in March 2022 after the group received messages for help on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
The 38-year-old is the voice on the telephone helpline and she is available 24/7 to give support and reassurance to distressed callers.
Ms Lewagata said she received calls from all different kinds of people with a range of issues — from those who were in fear or distressed, to those who called to simply obtain more information on cancer or call for referrals to local cancer specialist doctors and centers.
“I often get calls from people who have just started their cancer journey and want to know more information about cancer,” she said.
“Some want to come for the mermaid water aerobics exercise which we have twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“But majority call and are afraid because they have just started their treatment and they want someone to talk to or take them to the hospital.
“We often refer them to either doctors or to the Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) if we feel that they are more equipped to handle their issues.”
The 38-year-old was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019 after she was examined by doctors at the CWM Hospital in Suva.
After undergoing treatment, she was introduced to the women of the Suva Cancer Survivors group.
“I have been with the group since January 2022 and everyday has been such an enjoyable experience.
“From meeting new people and travelling to homes of cancer survivors — it’s been an unforgettable year.”
She said she found comfort among the ladies of the group as they supported each other through many hardships and lonely times in their lives while undergoing cancer treatment.
“Being the groups helpline operator has been such a humbling experience because I get to help people.
“One time we had a 21-yearold woman who called us and she said she was afraid because she had just been diagnosed with cancer and asked us if we could go and visit her.
“Other times husbands call asking about their wives’ conditions and ask for guidance.
“Helping people who need our help, especially since we have gone through what they are going through with cancer, is something we at the Suva
Cancer Survivors are passionate about.
“It is also why I continue to work as the helpline operator, I can help in my own way by offering advice and information to our new cancer patients.”
Suva Cancer Survivors president Salote Qalo said Ms Lewagata was an effective worker and often available to offer her services to people who were curious about breast and cervical cancer.
“She is so effective and active,” she said.
“In the nighttime she will answer calls and if it is a tough question then she will conference me and together we will help whoever is on the phone.
“But she is our main woman on the phone and we have so much confidence in her and the work she does for us at the Suva Cancer Survivors.”
Ms Lewagata said a few of her memorable moments while being part of the group have been travelling and visiting patients as far as Sigatoka and meeting new people.
She said they had conducted three home visitations and seven community outreach programs so far this year and shared their experiences and educated women on breast and cervical cancer Her message to people is to ‘not be afraid’.
“We are also cancer survivors so do not be afraid to give us a call if you have any questions regarding cancer.”
Members of the public who are diagnosed with cancer or survivors can call the Suva Cancer Survivors helpline on 2494454 for support.