St Vincent de Paul provide Mother’s Day comfort for Cancer Patient

Tala’s husband pictured with the electronic bed and supplies donated by St Vincent de Paul.

Source: Samoa Cancer Society/Photos supplied

APIA, SAMOA 03 MAY 2021: It’s been 12 months since 59 year old mother, Mrs Tala Pio was diagnosed with a neurogic tumor that has metastases to the spine. Neurogenic tumors originate from cells that make up the nervous system. They are the most common tumors of the mediastinum (the region between the lungs). Neurogenic tumors are commonly found in the posterior mediastinum, also known as paravertebral, the back of the spine. 

The transition from being an active and hard working mother to being rendered immobile by this type of cancer has been a challenging adjustment not only for Tala but also her husband and family.

However, every time the Samoa Cancer Society (SCS) team pay her a home visit, there is always a brave welcoming smile despite the pain of every turn, twist and positioning. Her condition was made known to SCS by her sister who has taken Tala into her home for ease of care and convenience to medical support. Tala was in need of an electronic bed not only to offer comfort but to assist her caregivers in turning her as and when necessary without inflicting more pain to her aching body.

Earlier this year in March, a fellow organization, St Vincent de Paul Society of Samoa indicated to SCS they had in their stock of charitable goods an electronic bed that would be suitable for a cancer patient if needed.

Tala (middle) with her husband and SCS Volunteer Cancer Champion.

Further to home visitations and assessment of Tala’s condition by our Patient Support Officer, it was recommended that Tala was the best candidate to receive the electronic bed plus bed linen and pillows from St Vincent de Paul. This organization is no stranger to SCS who have in the past contributed relevant items to aid women with breast cancer with supplies of post-surgical bras and beauty items. In addition to their generosity were modern office desks and chairs for SCS.

Chief Executive Officer Su’a John Ryan acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the St Vincent de Paul family in bridging the gap when it comes to the needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

Their response in providing an electronic bed for one of SCS’s registered patient could not have come at a more opportune time. Su’a added that “as we head into the month of May where the mothers of Samoa are being celebrated, it is a good feeling to know that Tala will be provided some form of comfort that will ensure she receives from her family of caregivers the quality of care that she deserves as she battles the many other challenges that cancer brings.”

The St. Vincent de Paul representative Celine Nelson says that while they do their best to listen out to the needs of the community and respond accordingly, it is always efficient to work collaboratively with organizations such the Samoa Cancer Society to ensure specific needs of the most vulnerable are met that would otherwise go unnoticed. The organization is grateful that they can help Tala and many others with what they have been able to supply so far. It will help their group to liaise with international donors for future supplies.