Early Xmas treat for 20 children and adolescents living with Rheumatic Heart Disease

Twenty children and adolescents living with Rheumatic Heart Disease enjoyed a day in the Mamanuca Islands at the annual 'Christmas at VOMO' an event by VOMO Island & Cure Kids Fiji yesterday.

This was also made possible through Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Rheumatic Heart Disease is a serious heart condition that affects 1 in 50 children in Fiji, one of the highest known rates in the world and a leading cause of death for our young people. In Fiji, at least 60 deaths a year are attributed to Rheumatic Heart Disease.

VOMO Island Fiji also presented a $25,000 cheque to Cure Kids Fiji, a result of 12‑month fundraising efforts through guest contributions, room night donations, and the Mt VOMO Sunrise Challenge.

General Manager, Mark Leslie says VOMO Island Fiji is dedicated to assisting the Cure Kids Fiji cause, while bringing some extra joy to the lives of those living with illnesses.

Leslie says the funds as well as VOMO's ongoing support will go a long way to helping Cure Kids Fiji extend the reach of their vital child health programs in Fiji, and ultimately save lives.

The children were joined by Fiji Airways' Fijiana 15's women's rugby stars and mentors, Lailanie Burnes and Torika Semo.

Jennifer Miller from Cure Kids Fiji says many young people living with Rheumatic Heart Disease express feelings of isolation and pressure to keep their sickness secret for fear that they will be treated differently by their peers.

She says events such as these are an excellent way to develop peer‑to‑peer networks for support and encouragement.