Tae Kami Medical Fund

Happy New Year!

Bula and Malo e lelei from Suva!

It is our second New Year's eve without Tae.. we all miss her so much but her song keeps on reminding us that we are to Walk on and Walk Strong! As we are stepping into the new year with Courage, Faith, Love and Hope! 

We will be leaving for Australia on the 5th of January, 2010. That will be our first real holiday with the girls, and they are looking forward to spend time with our friends in Sydney from the 5th to the 10th and will spend sometime at the Gold Coast at the Fun Park before heading back to Suva on the 22nd of January. We are hoping that we will meet up with some of our friends while in Aussie.

We will come back and  all the girls will go to school, including mum -she will start in February, doing the MBA programme at the University of the South Pacific here in Suva. Mia will be in Form 1 and Joy will be in Class 2 at the International School.

The work on putting Tae's book together is still going and we are hoping that .. will be done sometime soon in the new year. Also there are plans for WOWS events for 2010, and we are hoping and praying that things will all work out financially so we can pull all this together.

Thank you again for walking with us on this amazing year 2009. May His Blessings be upon you all!

'ofa lahi atu 

Walk on Walk Strong into the New Year 2010.. knowing that He is Watching Over Us!

God Bless and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas ... Dec 25th, 2009

Bula all from Fiji

With Fiji's new daylight saving we get Christmas earlier then anyone in the world - together with Tonga. May you all have a blessed Christmas and spend some quality time with family and loved ones. 'ofa atu and love from us all

Fakatauange ke mou ma'u ha Kilisimasi fiefia ,Mo ha Ta'u fo'ou mo Monu'ia foki. Pea ke 'atu 'e he "Otua ha ivi 'oku lahi ke hoko atu 'aki 'ae fononga kihe ta'u fo'ou, 2010.

Fakamalo lahi atu he ngaahi felotu'aki moe tokoni kotoa pe nemau 'inasi ai moe famili kotoa

"Ofa lahi atu fau

Walk On Walk Strong ... Laka atu .. Loto to'a!

14 Dec 2009 - Christmas & More...

Hi all,

Its been a while since our last update and we've reached that time of the year where suddenly everything piles up with Christmas preparations and the realization that its almost the end of the year!

Sina leaves today for Tonga for a week and will be meeting with the Tae Kami Foundation team is looking forward to decorating Tae's grave for Christmas and new years. Dom Sampson worked on a WOWS greeting card design that will be available in Tonga for sale at several outlets including the Friendly Island Bookshop and the popular cafes on the main street. 

Its been an amazing year and we are beginning to realize how much more can be done as we tie loose ends and begin to get better organized. We have also been overwhelmed by the support of many here in Fiji and Tonga. 

Some of our highlights include: 

Registration of the Tae Kami Foundation in Tonga in 2009 was made possible by the support of Dana Stephenson. We now have a group of trustees and working on how the foundation will operate through the Pacific and Tonga.

Graduation Prizes in Tonga: We sponsored end of Year English and Library prizes for Tae's school, Queen Salote College and Tupou High School at the graduation in Tonga in November 2009 in support of the her favourite subject and hangout (the library) with books sourced from the Friendly Islands Bookshop. We hope the many recipients of the prizes will continue to pursue their education to their full potential and live their dreams!

Tae Kami Scholarships 2009: It is the end of the academic year for 7 students at Queen Salote College who were inaugaural recipients of their Tae Kami Scholarships covering school fees for the full year. More on the scholarship students once we get their bios and photos from Tupou Atiola. We have started a scholarship fund with the ANZ Bank in Tonga with TOP$5000 in early 2009 and also had generous support from a anonymous donor for the 2009 scholarships. We aim to eventually build the scholarship fund to enable annual support of several students per year and look forward to continuing into 2010. We hope that eventually Tae Kami Scholarships will be available to students in other schools across the Pacific.

WOWS Events in Fiji & Tonga

We celebrated the anniversary of Tae's death in Tonga and Fiji with the WOWS (Walk on Walk Strong Walk) - we hope its the start of an annual event with new activities in Auckland and Samoa in 2010. 

Finally we want to wish all our friends and relatives and all those who have been part of this special journey a merry Christmas and blessed new year.

'ofa atu from us all

Happy 6th Birthday Hurricane... JOY - December 4th

 Fane, 'Una and Sina during the Miss South Pacific Pagent Festival in Suva , Nov . 2009

Bula from Suva!

It has been over a year and 4 months since Tae left us but she is still in our hearts and minds.... We love you Tae!

Taholo just got back last night after being away for almost 6 wks.  He was away in Europe and he spent couple days in Papua New Guinea with his mum Tae Senior, brothers Steve and Pila and sister Taina and the rest of the family , for thier Dad's 10th anniversary of his death at the The Rev. Sione Kami memorial church in Boroko.

The girls, Mia and Joy were busy at school with the end of the year exam and concert. They can't wait for their last day at school: Thursday, December 3rd, . They both love to sing especially Mia who always sings at their school assembly while Joy just loves to imitate her sister ... but they are both well .

We (Sina and Taholo) are leaving for New Zealand tomorrow, Wednesday December 2nd. to attend the Attitude Awards 2009 on Thursday December 3rd at Eden Park, Kingsland, Auckland at 6pm to 11pm. We have been invited  to celebrate with all the amazing people that make up the NZ disabled community. The Attitude Program in NZ followed Tae's story from 2006 up to her funeral on the 20th August, 2008. We thank the team in NZ for allowing us to take part on this special event... I know Tae will be smiling from Heaven .. and she will be there with us in spirit

Joy will turn 6 on Friday, December 4th, 2009. SHe is happy that we will be back on her birthday .. and she is expecting us to bring lots of presents from her cousins in New Zealand.

Joy has very much lived up to her name adding colour to our journey and often the smile at the end of the day. A bundle of energy, she doesn't stop till she drops (often long after we've stopped) Blessings from us all on your special day JOY!


'ofa lahi atu
WOWS!

WOWS $ for Fiji and Tonga : Fiji Times Newspaper : 6th November , 2009

Sina Kami and her daughters Amelia, 11, and Joy, 5, with photos of their late sister Tae Kami at their Tamavua home yesterday. (taken by the Fiji Times Nov 6th, 2009)

Editorial Comment : Fiji Times : November 6th, 2009

A girl's brave fight

Friday, November 06, 2009

A YEAR after her death, Tae Kami has reached out from beyond the grave to touch the lives of others.

A foundation named after the girl who touched thousands of people with her brave fight against cancer yesterday gave close to $6,000 to help victims of the disease.

It was a deeply emotional gesture, given the pain and suffering endured with such dignity by one so young.

Despite the ravages of the disease which slowly but surely robbed Tae of her young life, she met the challenge head on, giving strength to those around her.

Her acceptance of the certainty of death moved Tae's monarch to tears.

King George Tupou V arrived at the Kami home to visit his dying subject and present her with an award for bravery.

What he saw was a fearless young girl who bore no animosity over the disease which was about to claim her life.

The teenager took her guitar and sang a haunting melody — Walk on, walk strong — to King Tupou who wiped tears from his eyes as he listened.

Few people can have approached death with the dignity shown by this Tongan 15-year-old.

There are so many questions as the hour approaches but the greatest is probably: Why me?

Cancer is not an easy disease with which to live.

As the body begins to shut down and gives in to the disease there can be hours of endless pain, nausea and immobility.

Patients must live with the help of others, unable to help themselves in the most menial of tasks.

Reflecting on the disease Tae told Television New Zealand: "I couldn't ask for a more perfect family. When I couldn't breathe they helped me through the night...that was painful we get through it together...I always have someone holding my hand."

For relatives and friends there is little more to do during the final days than to provide support, a smile and a hand for the patient to hold.

Tae's life was claimed by a rare cancer of the jaw which doctors in New Zealand battle bravely but ineffectually to stop.

Despite her death, Tae won the admiration and respect of people across the region.

Her brave fight drew the attention of the Pacific to the need for early detection of cancer and greater provision of care for patients.

The money raised in Tae's name is a valuable step in the march against cancer.

We must pause today and reflect on a short but valuable life which has taught so many people so many valuable lessons.

While she has gone, it is for us to walk on and walk strong in the fight against cancer.

Tae Kami, ofa atu.

Fund helps children

by Fiji Times : Friday, November 06, 2009

THE Tae Kami Foundation was formed last year to help children diagnosed with cancer.

Founded by the parents of a 15-year-old Tongan girl, who after being diagnosed with cancer wrote a song to encourage all those with the disease to keep on walking.

Her mother, Sina Kami, said the foundation was registered in Tonga last year.

Tae died last year after a three-year battle with cancer.

Mrs Kami said Tae composed the song "Walk On Walk Strong" herself and it was recorded with her playing the guitar.

"After Tae's death, we started a campaign to help other kids with cancer," she said.

Mrs Kami said when Tae was alive she wanted to build a resource centre for other kids in Tonga and Fiji.

"Tae's main dream was to have a resource centre built in Fiji for the children and our main focus is to do that," she said.

Tae lived in Fiji for three months before moving back to Tonga where she passed away.

"On the anniversary of her death, we decided to have a walk in Tonga and Fiji," she said.

Kami said she went to Tonga with her other two daughters and friends and family gathered here to walk. "We raised $12,000 in Tonga and $6000 in Fiji," she said.

She said the money was donated to the children's foundation in Tonga and the foundation yesterday donated $6000 to the Fiji Cancer Society.

Kami said the public donated around half a million dollars for her treatment and now they want her story to help other Pacific families dealing with the same heartache.

Tae was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the jaw, which meant costly specialised treatment in New Zealand back in 2006.

Kami said her daughter was very strong for her age.

Be strong for your kids, mum pleads

by Fiji Times : Friday, November 06, 2009

The mother of a 15-year-old who died last year after being diagnosed with cancer says parents need to be strong for their children.

Sina Kami said her battle had been tough but seeing her daughter's face made her strong.

"As a parent it was a very difficult experience for us to go through but she was very strong," she said.

Mrs Kami said her daughter inspired a lot of people.

"She met a lot of children suffering from cancer in the Pacific and that was why she wanted to do something for them," she said.

She said parents needed to have faith and just walk on, walk strong.

"It is not going to be easy but when you look at your child's face, it just gives you strength to walk on," Mrs Kami said.

She said her daughter left a very strong message with her to be strong.

"It doesn't matter whether we have problems financially or physically I urge all parents to be strong," Mrs Kami said.

She said during her daughter's birthday this year, she invited children in Fiji suffering from cancer and celebrated with them.

Tae Kami died in August last year after a three-year battle with a rare form of cancer of the jaw.

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October 19, 2009

Hi all and Bula from Fiji. 

Its been a while since the last update and time sure flies...

After successful WOWS (Walk on Walk Strong)  walks in Tonga and Fiji we are quite pleased that this will result in a TOP$12000 contribution to the Tonga Child Cancer Society and FJD$6000 to the Fiji Cancer Society towards resource rooms & facilities for kids with cancer. 

The girls are back in school here in Suva and Sina continues to work on developing the vision for the newly registed Tae Kami Foundation and WOWS activities. Sina is also working on a compilation of Tae's story through her quotes and journals... some of her insight is amazing for her age.  

On the week of 8th November, its Dad's - Rev Sione Kami's - 10th anniversary since he passed away in 1999. The Rev.Sione Kami Memorial Church (RSKMC) will be holding a special week long programme to celebrate His life and ministry.  Tae's grandpa was also one who inspired many with his faith...

For those who are new to the site - please download Tae's song - Walk on Walk Strong, by clicking on the link on the left of this page..

'ofa atu and blessings from us all

Tae's Song - Walk On Walk Strong..here it is again for those who have been asking for the lyrics

Tae wrote this song  and it reflects her journey - the tune came from the 4-5 chords she learned on her guitar and the words are very much assuranceto all who are going through a tough time - you will get through it... walk on, walk strong.

For the storm won't last too long,
Walk on, Walk Strong
When everything seems wrong,
Hold on,Walk On

Thru the fear and thru the fire
You'll find the way out,
Thru the pain and misconceptions,
Thru the sorrow and the doubt
When you look beyond your troubles,
Then you'll figure it out
You will find...

That the storm won't last too long
Walk on, Walk strong
When everything seems wrong,
Hold on,Walk On...

She's crying in the corner,
The work's never done,
I'm tryin to explain to her that the victory has been won

Don't Be Afraid
There's Peace Beyond the rain
I know...it'll be okay...

The pain never lasts
It's now  in the past
Hold on. walk on.

Chorus : For THIS storm won't last too long... etc

Words & Music - Luisa Tae Kami, February 2008

14 Sept 2009 - Update

Today Grandma Tae went back to Tonga after spending 1 week here with us.  Also Pastor Pita Tupou and the wife Moana and their two children were here with us for also a week before they left for America.
Rev. Marlynn who is currently working at Sia'atoutai Theological College in Tonga, will be coming and stay with us for couple days this week.

(Pic: Tae's headstone with her photo -  August 16, 2009 her 1 Yr anniversary)

The girls Mia and Joy are enjoying their school. Mia just finished her big project for the year on Climate Change. She had 8 weeks to do research, writing up reports, making her art components etc and finally had their art Exhibition night last Monday and she did really well. She was happy to have her grandma here for the opening night and to hear her sing "We are the World" with her two FIjian friends, Samisoni and Elena. Little sister Joy has also started her piano class last Wednesday and we now have to keep telling her to turn down the volume of her keyboard as she loves to sing and play at the same time. .. imagine her on the keyboard.. she thinks she knows it all!

(pic above: USP students - WOWS team in Fiji preparing ribbons for the walk - Vinaka!)

For Tae's dreams on the resource room for kids in Tonga and now in Fiji... we are still working on it. The funds that was raised during the walk in Tonga will go to the resource room for kids in Tonga. The funds raised in Fiji,  stays here to help with a room for the cancer kids and their family  in this country and we have been discussed this with the Fiji Cancer Society.

(pic above:Steven and Siu Palu's son, Taholo, Randy Thaman and Steven Palu  .. WOWS Fiji)

There are lots of work to be done... to be able to fulfill all Tae's dreams but we have no doubt that We Can make it... it might take weeks, months, or years for big projects but we must have faith and keep walking on and walking strong!

'ofa atu
from Suva, Fiji.

28th Aug - Photos from the WOWS TONGA 2009

Hi everyone,
I would like to thank everyone here in Fiji and Tonga for their love and support for the Walk on Walk strong Walk on the 15th August, 2009.

To all the media, businesses, banks, different government departments, schools, family and friends.. malo 'aupito, vinaka vakalevu.. Walk on Walk strong!

 

There's Peace Beyond the Rain - Walk on Walk Strong - 12 Months Today

Picture: Walk on Walk Strong (WOWS) Fiji

Thinking of you today Tae -  It has been 12 months -  but every day your song of hope and your many messages remind us to look up and embrace the rainbows in life knowing "the storm will not last too long...."  We celebrate you today with your many friends and family all around the world!

Yesterday - 15th August - hundreds walked in Tonga and Suva in the WOWS (Walk on Walk Strong Walk). Dressed in black Tshirts with bright "WOWS" emblems, we walked to raise funds for Child Cancer and to stand together with those who had lost loved ones in the Princess Ashika Disaster... Amazed by the turnout in Suva and Nuku'alofa and how well everything went in raising awareness on child cancer and honoring Tae's incredible faith and spirit. Somehow we all felt that spirit had touched and inspired  us in one way or another. 

Picture: Walk on Walk Strong Tonga

Some thoughts on the WOWS WALK;

We walk in support of children and their families currently embarking on a cancer journey here in the Pacific....  funds will go towards child cancer resource rooms / facilities in Fiji and Tonga

We walk in memory of our loved ones we have been through cancer - some survivors and some who have passed on...

We walk for those lost on the Princess Ashika ferry disaster... 90+ missing but affecting hundreds of families throughout the Tongan communities.

We walk for our children, grandchildren, loved ones who are with us now and the future - that cancer will not be an insurmountable journey and we will make it easier for them whether its a cure or to weather the storm in dignity and comfort...

We walk to celebrate the spirit of this incredible girl -  in the midst of her pain was certain everything was OK and had a message for the world; When everything seems wrong ... WALK ON WALK STRONG....

To all who participated in the organizing committees, sponsors and volunteers - thank you! To all those who walked with us - lets take up the challenge and continue the journey - thank you for helping us take the first steps!

Tae's final message she left to be read at her funeral ...  still relevant today...

First of all I would like to thank everybody and everyone for all the support, love and prayers...without it I probably wouldn't have made it this far.

You see your prayers have helped in giving me strength and even though I'm gone - it doesnt mean the battle has been lost.

In fact, the battle has been won. I've won my battle!

My purpose on this earth has already been fulfilled. My new Life in Heaven has begun.

Never lose Hope, Never lose Faith... no matter how hard or painful that situation may be, never give up. God will give you the strength you need to complete lifes journey, and to make it through.

'Ofa lahi atu to you all,
WALK ON WALK STRONG

Miss you today - love you Tae

Note: Pictures from various walkers

Walk on Walk Strong (WOWS) FIJI - 10am, Sat 15 August, 2009

Download WOws Flyer Fiji01 (2)

Where?     Albert Park, Suva
The Tae Kami Foundation and the Fiji Cancer Society would like to invite you to participate in the Inaugural Walk on Walk Strong Fiji event from Albert Park, Suva at 10am, Saturday, 15 August 2009.

16 August 2009, marks the anniversary of the passing away of Tae Luisa Kami who struggled through a long journey with cancer and inspired many in Tonga, Fiji and the region with her positive spirit and certainty that God had a plan for her despite the deteriorating condition and incredible physical challenges...

Tae had several dreams she wanted to be done... including the provision of a resource room / facility for children with cancer and their families. WOWS Fiji will contribute towards this dream with proceeds going to the Fiji Cancer Society for this purpose.

How Do I get Involved?
1. Raise at least $1.00 per person from your family, office, friends or even school...

2. WALK with Us - In memory of all the kids who have been called home and for improving the experience and success of all those who are currently battling cancer...

Dress: WOWS Fiji TSHIRTS will be on sale - $20 each or simply wear something bright - Tae stood by the colors of the rainbow as the colours of hope.b