Sending Inoke Home To Rest

Bula vinaka (hello), My name is Inoke Navuetaki and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my story. My family and I have been blindsided by my sudden cancer diagnosis. After not being able to see my family during COVID, my family organised for me to visit them in Australia which I was very much looking forward to. However, this was not to be the family reunion I imagined it to be.

On December 21st 2022, I got hit with the news I never thought I would get. Diagnosis, cancer! A trip to the emergency room and countless test subsequently alerted doctors to a diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer. Then, a few days after Christmas and another trip to the emergency room, I was diagnosed with stage 3 primary lung cancer.

Unfortunately, as I am not an Australian citizen and do not have Medicare, all expenses are passed directly to my family to pay. Just visiting the hospital costs approx Aud 909.00 per day and that does not include any blood tests, X-rays, MRI's or specialist reviews. Admission overnight is upwards of Aud $1000.00. The first round of chemotherapy and radiation therapy costs Aud $28000.00 for six weeks. And recently, I found out that I might require two rounds of treatment.

After hearing the cost of my treatment, I initially refused the treatment due to the high costs and certainly did not want my family to suffer financially as a result of my illness. I planned to return to my village and live out my days just helping out where I can. My family have supported me so much through this not only financially but also as my carers. I might not be as mobile as I once was but I can't let this burden fall on them so, this is me trying to help them for helping me.

This has been a very humbling journey for me, particularly after losing my mobility. Not being able to walk and do things on my own has been extremely mentally challenging. The constant battle in my mind, the lie that 'I am a burden to my family' and the struggle to maintain hope when things feel a little too much to handle. Although my mental state and spirit are lifting, I don't want my family to be dragged into depression over the financial situation they now find themselves in.

Donations will be used to recoup the cost of my past and current treatment and constant hospital visits. Any amount is greatly appreciated and, if you are not able to donate but you can share this, a share with your family and friends will mean the world to me and my family.

Help me beat cancer, pay my family back for putting their lives on hold, their generosity and support.

Vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) and God bless.