After high hopes of medical treatment, for a cancerous growth covering his right eye, three -year-old Bongre Peter had to leave Port Moresby on a sad note.
The three long weeks were fought with the assistance of general public. Bongre’s family will be turning to palliative care to see out the rest of his days with the retinoblastoma.
Michael Francis of Simbu Children’s Foundation explained that it is the last treatment option so they want to make sure Bongre enjoys every moment of it.
“We will give him the care, in terms of providing pain killers to ease his pain or dressing of his sores; we will give him the best treatments when he is alive so that he can enjoy his final moments with us,” Francis said.
Michael Williams, who initially reposted Bongre’s appeal on social media that drew attention and help, said they will fix a place at home for him just to give him as much fun as he can get.
“If he needs TV, we will buy one for him; we will also fix the background around the house for him,” Williams said.
Speaking of his experience with Bongre, Williams was concerned about what the health authorities and government are doing to save lives of young children who are the future of Papua New Guinea.
“One sad thing about the country, for real, is we lack some of the basic services and equipment that we need,” Williams told EMTV Online.
“We should be having MRI or CT scans in all four regions of the country so that the children and people can have access to it.”
According to Williams, children are innocent and such services should be made available so earlier detection is made possible and lives are saved.
The toddler and both his parents took a flight home to Goroka’s Banana Block settlement on the afternoon of Monday 13 October, 2017 with nothing but doctors’ advice that Bongre’s cancer cannot be treated.
Still in obvious pain, brave little Bongre has fought hard in the last two years. His story is shining light to the need for overhaul in the public health system.
Bongre’s parents, Peter Anton and Senti Peter thanked all those who have been supportive through Bongre’s medical plight.
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
Related articles: http://www.emtv.com.pg/news/2017/06/bongre-and-family-prepares-for-life-with-advanced-cancer/
http://www.emtv.com.pg/news/2017/06/a-fight-worth-remembered-on-national-cancer-survivors-day/
http://www.emtv.com.pg/news/2017/06/bongre-and-family-prepares-for-life-with-advanced-cancer/
