Save the Child’s Fund to the rescue

By Ilia L. Likou 15 October 2017, 12:00AM

Pule Ioane was all smiles after his son, Iloa Ioane, was given his ticket to be able to travel to New Zealand to undergo a life saving heart operation.

Thanks to the Samoa Observer’s Save the Child’s Fund which covered his airfare,  Iloa, 16, who had been bedridden since birth because of his heart condition, is now recovering in New Zealand.

“Iloa had been admitted to the hospital many times because of a heart disease,” Pule told the Samoa Observer from Savai’i.

 “The doctor told us that the best thing for him is to take him to New Zealand for treatment. To be honest, my family relies heavily on plantation for food and money and we were worried when we received the notice from the doctor because we knew it will cost a lot of money." 

“We just don’t know where to get the money from. We were told that all we need to do is to look for money for airfares and visas, and you know how hard it is these days."

“We sought God first and we ended up approaching Dr. Satupa’itea Viali for help.”

Dr. Viali contacted the Samoa Observer for help. 

 “Satu told us that he would try his best to find help and it wasn’t until last Friday (week before White Sunday) that we received a call from Dr. Viali saying that someone was willing to help them."

“I thank the Lord for answering our prayers,” said Pule, adding the call gave them hope. 

The Save the Child’s Fund was started by the Samoa Observer with generous donations from members of the community to help needy families send their children overseas for medical treatment. 

One of the biggest donors is the family of the late Augustine Fuiavailili Fe'esago, who donate on a monthly basis.

Iloa left the country last Sunday for New Zealand. He is being accompanied by his mother Mrs. Ioane. He will be in New Zealand for three months. 

Pule also wanted to extend her gratitude to the Editor-in-Chief of the Samoa Observer, Gatoaitele Savea Sano and Publisher, Muliagatele Jean Malifa for their generosity.

“Thanks to the Samoa Observer’s Save the Child’s Fund and Good Samaritans from the community for helping my son to travel to New Zealand to receive medical treatment, which could possibly save his life,” he said.

 “I know words are not enough to repay your generosity but only God can restore all that have been used to help those in need. Thank you for giving us hope.”

Iloa is the second child of four siblings. He attends Alofiotaoa College.

By Ilia L. Likou 15 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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