Five children living with life threatening conditions have received an early Christmas gift from the Make a Wish Pacific Island at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s official residence.
The five children, aged between 3 and 15 years were surprised when they received their gifts from the founder of Make a Wish, Gill Sinclair, gifts ranging from TVs, laptops, I-Pads, Barbie dolls and other children accessories.
10-year-old Akariva Kilaiwekana who was diagnosed with acute monoblastic leukemia earlier this year said that he wished for a TV so that he can watch Fiji’s games.
Kilaiwekana was excited when he received a 40 inch TV as his gift.
He said that this TV has come in at the right time as he will be watching the Fiji 7s team at the Dubai 7s at home.
His grandmother, Volaivuna Sigaganavanua said that it has been a tough and challenging few months but to be gifted with a TV is a blessing from above.
Another recipient of the Make a Wish, Mereosi Takayawa Tuinayau, aged three who was diagnosed with non-hodgkin lymphoma early February this year, wished for a princess dress and when her wish came true she was on top of the world.
Tuinayau’s father Ilisoni Tuinayau says the smiles and happiness he sees in his daughter today means the world to him.
Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to Fiji Halia Haddad stressed that these children are facing the challenges that we cannot imagine and today is about bringing some fun and happiness into the lives of the five children.
