Mother mourns loss of daughter to cancer

By Adel Fruean 03 February 2020, 11:00AM

A mother who lost her daughter to cancer still mourns her death, but gathered the courage on Sunday to join others in a solemn church service to mark World Cancer Day. 

The late Betty Mautu from Faala, Palauli lost her battle to gallbladder cancer in August last year.

Her mother Palepa Mautu was invited with family members to attend a church service hosted by Samoa Cancer Society (S.C.S.) at the Methodist Church, Matafele to mark the World Cancer Day.

“This is the first time we have participated in a cancer event such as this, but the significance for me is that the service gave me strength and courage, as I still mourn the loss of my beloved daughter,” said Mrs. Mautu.


She told the Samoa Observer that she had dreams and hopes for her 32-year-old daughter before her passing.

“There are absolutely no words to describe how a parent would feel to lose a child unexpectedly. My daughter died before she could get married, I wanted her to have a family of her own and be happy always.

“The memories of the day I lost her are still fresh; I pray that she is in a better place.”

The 59-year-old said that time is precious and should be spent with loved ones "because you never know when God will call them back".

“It is true what the bible said that the children are gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

“No mother wants to lose a child especially her eldest child.

“My Betty was well known for being quiet and humble, she had a heart of gold that loved and cared for her family members so much, that is why it is hard to accept she is no longer with us.”

According to the Society's 2019 Patient Support data, as of 31 of December 2019 a total of 44 cancer patients and families are utilizing their services.

There were 102 new referrals received by the S.C.S. in 2019 and either self-referred or referred by a medical professional.

There were 76 cancer patient deaths in 2019 that were registered with S.C.S.

By Adel Fruean 03 February 2020, 11:00AM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>