Cure Kids Fiji treat 42 children living with Rheumatic Heart Disease to Mamanuca Islands

42 children and youths living with Rheumatic Heart Disease enjoyed a day out in the Mamanuca Islands this week.

Cure Kids Fiji says days like this is important as many young people living with Rheumatic Heart Disease express feelings of isolation and pressure to keep their diagnosis secret for fear that they will be treated differently by their peers.

It says bringing children together gives them a sense of community, support, belonging and encouragement.

VOMO Island Fiji also presented a cheque for $17,710 to Cure Kids Fiji that was contributed by guests visiting the resort

throughout the year.

This is an annual ‘Christmas at VOMO’ event by VOMO Island and Captain Cook Cruises, supported by Fijiana Women's Rugby and VOU Dance Company.

The children were joined by Fiji Airways’ Fijiana 15’s women’s rugby stars and mentors, Lailanie Burnes and Torika Semo, as well as Navi Fong, VOU Dancer and choreographer.

Cure Kids also received $21,700 in donations from Fiji Water Foundation for the Fiji Oxygen Project and close to $91,000 from Armacup this year.

More than 4,500 patients have been assisted through the Cure Kids’ Fiji Oxygen Project.

Cure Kids says the Fiji Oxygen Project provides reliable, life-saving supply of oxygen to patients in places it can be challenging to supply oxygen in traditional cylinders