Pinktober is commemorated annually in Fiji to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors as well as those who have succumbed to the disease to tell not only their stories but of their families and caregivers as well.

Celebrated at the Civic Center this year, 63 year-old cancer survivor, Mereoni Marama was among the cancer survivors who came to the event with her husband and daughter

Marama’s story seeks to be one of the many that talk about the journey of a cancer survivor

Mereoni Marama was diagnosed at the age of 38 and now at 63 years old, has been a cancer survivor for over 25 years.

She shares her story about the challenges that she has had to during her battle with cancer accrediting her faith in God for helping her overcome it.

“I have my faith in God to thank for my healing as I went through 4 surgeries which were very difficult for me”

Marama also had a few words for those that are battling cancer reiterating that early detection is crucial.

“Every young woman or girl should know how to check themselves for lumps. Early detection is very important as well as eating and living healthily”

Also at the event, Marama’s daughter and caregiver, Amelia Nairoba says that there is a lot of stress and emotional support associated around cancer not only for those battling it but also for their caregivers

“Because my Mum was in the US during her treatment, I had to take on the responsibility of being a mother to my 4 siblings. It was hard as I had to make sure that everyone went to school and sometimes my youngest brother who was in Year 1 at the time would go to school without brushing his teeth or wearing his underwear. That was the reality of things at home.”

Marama is a testament of faith, determination and strong will and seeks to be only one of the many stories told by those who have survived the “not so pink” disease called cancer.

(Article by: Ruci Ranitu | Intern Journalist)