By Elizah Palme – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
It took an army of kindness for this child’s fight against cancer. Three-year-old Bongre Anton Peter is diagnosed with blastoma,a form of eye cancer common in children.
Bongre’s story is one of many stories that is worth revisiting when looking at cases to improve the health system.
Bongre will now be under palliative care with the cancer becoming far advanced.
The three-year-old was misdiagnosed with conjunctivitis, or eye soreness, at two major hospitals in the Highlands region. His diagnosis was Retinoblastoma when brought over by Michael Williams and the Simbu Children’s Foundation to the National Capital District.
The doctors at the Port Moresby General Hospital said that the cancer was in Stage 4b; where no form of medical intervention, like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, can save his life.
At this stage, the cancer has spread to the left eye and his brain. If doctors go through with an operative procedure, it would have a likelihood of spreading.
When we take a look back at Bongre’s plight, there are certain questions that need raising attention this election:
1. What must be done to prevent another incidence of misdiagnosis?
2. How do we educate a majority of Papua New Guineans, many whom are barely eking out a living, of this ailment?
3. What are the steps for preventative medicine to be implemented for the general populace?
Bongre will go back home to see his last days at Banana Block, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province. The Simbu Children’s Foundation will assist in costs to ensure that his family see through the challenges of caring for Bongre.
The efforts set by the law firm, Young & Williams Lawyers in collaboration with the Simbu Children’s Foundation has been supported by many across the country who were moved by the story shared here at EMTV Online and on television.
Donations in cash can still be made to the Young & Williams trust account on 1001 199 257 at BSP Commercial Centre, Gordon, Port Moresby. Also gifts in kind can be dropped off at or sent to;
YOUNG & WILLIAMS LAWYERS
Francis Griffin Chambers, Investwell Building (Off Cameron Rd)
New Hohola Commercial Estate, Section 38 Allotment 30
Gordons, NCD, Papua New Guinea.
Contacts:
Florence Caseria +675 3112346/+675 71888306, email: fcaseria@ynw.com.pg
Michael Williams +675 71937715/+675 75304375, email: myxswillz@gmail.com
