A cheque of $11,725.10 was handed to Angel Fatima, a first-year student at The University of South Pacific, to assist with her medical evacuation and treatment.
The Campus Life Section and the First Year Experience Buddies came together to raise funds for 18-year-old Fatima suffering from stage five kidney failure.
The funds were raised through barbeque sales by the Buddies and Campus Life staff, donation calls by popular influencer and content creator Shaniya Singh and donations by corporate clients and individuals.
Fatima said she learned about her condition after applying for a residential hall at the USP Laucala Campus, for which the application process involves undertaking a medical test.
“After the medical test, I was told I had high blood pressure, so further tests were undertaken. It was after all this that I was informed that I have stage five kidney failure.”
“I remember notifying my first-year Buddy at school of my condition, who then took raised the matter with the First Year Experience Coordinator.”
Handing over the check on May 5, 2023, USP Deputy Vice-Chancellor Regional Campuses, Estates, and Infrastructure Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Pāunga said the initiative shown by the USP Campus Life team, buddies and those involved in fundraising activities reflects the actual value of the regional institution.
“A big thank you to each and every one here, including Westpac. All your contributions will give our Angel Fatima a new lease on life. Westpac, special thanks to you and your sponsorship towards the buddy system here; we can do this today. Our buddies do a lot of these activities for a good course, and they do it voluntarily.”
Angel Fatima, while thanking those that contributed to raising funds for her treatment, said she is confident that she will return in good health next semester to complete her study.
The 18-year-old will be flying to India for medical treatment later this month.
