A truly inspirational story of life saving surgery for a Solomon Islands teenager.
A story that needed to be told in tribute to the generous help from Solomon Islands community and professional help from the medical profession, to the courage of a young boy and his devoted parents, was disclosed today, Saturday, by Mike Puia, writing in the Island Sun newspaper.
This is what Mike’s article said, quote.
“Fourteen-year-old, Andy Tolobua, has settled down and gone about his normal life after a long trip to Israel to undergo heart surgery.
“The long trip was worth it as the surgery turned out a successful one as expected.
“Dr. Sagi Assa who examined Andy after the surgery confirmed the result of Andy’s echo examination looks good.
“Andy was born with this life-threatening problem.
“He experienced symptoms of the problem but without his or his parents’ knowledge of the exact nature
“Andy ended up at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) where the problem was identified by a visiting team of heart specialists from Australia.
“The visiting team found Andy suffered from severe aortic regurgitation.
“The doctor who examined Andy at the NRH, Dr. David Rose of Bond St Cardiology, noted that the need for surgery was urgent.
“He suggested Andy needed to have his aortic valve replaced and his aortic root possibly replaced.
“Andy was discharged from the NRH and was forced to rely on medication, to keep his blood thin.
“Andy’s father and mother then begin their tiring journey of appealing for help.
“Local groups, businesses and individuals stepped forward help the couple.
“Andy’s appeal posters were posted along the street and his story and photos on social media as part of the fundraising effort.
“Andy was a class six student at Mbokonavera School last year, but after being identified as suffering from the aortic valve problem, his parents had him withdrawn from school.
“This was because Andy wasn’t able to concentrate on study.
“Amidst the struggles and uncertainty, something miraculous happened. Save a Child's Heart (SACH), an Israeli-based international humanitarian charity that provides life-saving heart treatment and follow-up care for children, offered to help.
“SACH invited Andy, accompanied by his mother, to Israel for the heart surgery.
“The surgery was performed at Wolfson Medical Centre in Israel, one of the top medical facilities in the world
“Andy is the first local child to get treatment under SACH support.
“The Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in Honiara, Mr. Leliana Firisua, was instrumental in facilitating the trip.
“When Andy returned after the operation, Mr. Firisua said they are exploring the program offered by SACH so that other local children suffering from heart problems can try and apply to and get medical help.
“Mr. Firisua thanked everyone who rendered support toward Andy and his mother, saying
“I wish to thank the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Pacific Department), Ambassador Tibor, Save a Child's Heart Israel, the Wolfson Hospital, Mary-Clare and all our friends in Israel for their help.”
“He said Israel is known for having the best medical facilities and Andy is “truly privileged”.
“Andy’s mother, Nester, said she is overwhelmed with the rare opportunity given to their son."
“She said the help was huge and for them it was unexpected.
I endorse the words of appreciation and thanks given by Mr. Firisua and also wish to thank Dr David Rose and his Australian medical colleagues for the initial diagnosis of Andy’s heart problem.
Let us hope it will be possible for other Solomon Islands children suffering from heart related illnesses and diseases to be offered help in Israel by SACH.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
