Family’s life saving plea

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 15 February 2018, 12:00AM

Sonny Mikaele, who suffers from chronic septic arthritis, needs your help. 

This is the plea from his father, Kosema Mikaele, who will leave Samoa next week to seek medical treatment overseas for his son. 

“He is the only boy, and he is the fourth child and at the age of 11, Sonny sprained his ankle,” he explained. 

“Treatment was done; unfortunately his right ankle got swollen and has caused body imbalance."

“There are times where he’s in so much pain and as a parent; it’s hopeless seeing him endure the pain.' 

“So we sought assistance from Orthopedist, Dr. Talalelei, who is in partnership with Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu, Hawai’i." 

“The hospital has offered to pay for his airfare, however in terms of accommodations, we will have to cover that on our own, hence the plea for help.” 

The father told the Samoa Observer, the payment is $38.50 tala per day for six month. 

Mikaele cannot afford this. He is the only bread winner for his family, making $13,000 per annum.

“We don’t have any families in Hawai’i hence staying at the hospital, but that costs $38.50 tala per day,” he told the Samoa Observer. 

“As a parent, I appeal for your indulgence to consider the humble plea." 

“We never think that we would be placed in such a situation to appeal for public assistance, but when it comes to our children, we will go to any length to get them the help they need,” said Mikaele. 

“If I can take the pain from my son, I would do it in a heartbeat, but that is impossible and this is the only way that will assure that he is relieved of the pain and so he can live his life like a normal kid." 

“The accident has robbed my son of enjoying life as a teenager, hence the move to seek financial assistance,” stated Mr. Miakele. 

His plea for help is supported by Dr. Tala Ta’avao who confirmed that Sonny has been accepted by the Shriners Hospital for children in Hawai’i. 

“However there are certain aspects of his treatment that his family has to provide financially while in Hawai’i,” stated Dr. Tala in his confirmation letter for Sonny. 

Mr. Mikaele also provided the Samoa Observer with the confirmation letter from the Shriner’s hospital. 

“Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu provides care and services to children without regard for their ability to pay,” says Drema Green, Shriners Admissions Coordinator.  

Mr. Mikaele visited the Samoa Observer’s office and the “Save a Child’s Fund” has donated $1,000 to help Sonny. 

If you want to help Mikaele, you can reach him at 778-6058.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 15 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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