One day at a time for 12-year-old son with an Inoperable Heart

For the first 12 years of Junior’s life, he played like any other normal young boy his age. Junior is the only child of Tovea and Uini who arrived from Samoa with his parents in October 2019 due to a family member falling ill. They were unable to return to Samoa due to COVID-19. Since then, Junior has been diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart failure earlier in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the rapid deterioration of his heart the Doctors have advised that Junior’s heart is inoperable and are not sure how long this young boy has to live. Junior is a very respectful and polite young boy who does not ask for much unlike other kids his age who want PS4’s, Toys, etc, and when asked what he would like for Christmas, all Junior politely asked for was clothing and shoes.

Now that Christmas is over Junior still has a long battle ahead of him. Junior’s parents need help to make him more comfortable for however long which could be weeks, months, and here is hoping years. This could be Juniors last Christmas and New Year with his Mum and Dad; we do not know for sure.

At present Junior and his parents are sleeping at the back of the main house in a one-bedroom sleepout of their extended family’s home, which is unfortunately very cold and a huge health risk for Junior. Mum and Dad are trying their best to support and provide for Junior and make him as comfortable as they can. Their wider family are trying their best also to support them as well, there is several of them staying in the same house which unfortunately is a huge health risk for Junior.

This is where your help would be most valuable; due to Junior’s condition they are now facing the stress of medical and living costs, finding suitable accommodation, and providing the basic needs like clothes and shoes for their son. The financial support from funds raised will mean that Tovea and Uini will be able to focus their remaining time with their son together, making memories as a family.