Raising funds for Mr Nitesh Kumar’s CABG Surgery

One of my closest and a very dear friend (Mr N Kumar), whom I have spent my childhood with, is currently stuck with his medical procedure and costs in Fiji. He is 41 years old, a really good Joiner and Truck Driver by profession. Due to his chest pain, he had an Angiogram done costing him 2K in Fiji and the results have come back recommending him for an urgent CABG procedure for Triple Vessel Disease as his LAD is 90% blocked with other blocked two arteries.

For him this is genetic as his dad passed away at the age of 61 due to Heart Attack. Last month the family supported his mum (64 years) for a CABG (heart bypass) surgery in Australia which has cost them approx $80,000 AU.

With this news there comes so much emotional and financial stress, forget about Corona Virus! Not only his life is on the line but his career will be impacted by all this, if he recovers then he will be able to resume things at some point.

This has made me reflect so many things about my little island and the struggles families go through, particularly around medical treatment and expenses associated with medical. The key issue is that no one in Fiji does CABG procedure, he now has to get this done internationally. There is a private clinic that does Multi-Vessel PTCA costing $30,000 but thats not the surgery required for him!

Families in Fiji live on their land or wage to wage, that is if they have employment. They have no extra funds to support unexpected medical treatments and unfortunately my friend has fallen into the same category. 3 years ago, I also lost my uncle at the age of 59 due to heart attack and poor medical facilities in Fiji. The doctors were not able to save him and I saw his kids and family helpless, frustrated trying to save him.

With the current Corona Virus situation, Mr N Kumar is challenged in many ways to look for a solution. They have options to get the procedure done internationally in Australia, India or New Zealand, however all of these options will cost him approximately $70,000. With the Corona Virus spread in India, his family is very hesitant and concerned about sending him there.

I have assisted Mr Kumar in getting quotes from Cardiothoracic Surgeon based in Auckland, NZ and it will cost him approximately $75K NZD to get the procedure done here.

When I advised the quote to Mr Kumar, his response was he will let destiny decide his fate. I was heartbroken by his words. I can't live in fear of his death and deny the fact that I have the opportunity to help him. I keep telling myself there has to be a way, I want to add sparkle to his life.

So here I am seeking help from everyone that I know, knowing that every little bit will count and make a difference to him and his family.

I am standing here to support his family through this difficult time and suggesting his family to opt in for a surgery in NZ. I will be here supporting him with his visa, flight arrangements, isolation stay, accomodations and other arrangements throughout the medical treatment process. This is my commitment to him and his family but I need support from my loved ones, my friends, colleagues and well wishers to help him. I wish I could do this all by myself - financially!

Everyday I live with a purpose and that is to add sparkle to people’s life with little kindness and genuine care. It doesn't have to be anything big but something that makes people smile and feel grateful. Today I am grateful for living in New Zealand, where I can make a difference in someone’s life back home.

I am hoping with this little gesture I can help my friend and his family for his treatment.