Paddlers from three resorts and Nadi Bay Canoe Club braved Fiji’s open waters on Saturday, completing a 36-kilometre journey from Castaway Island to Wailoaloa Beach to raise funds for families affected by cancer and honour the late Christian Pesamino, a young man whose fight against leukaemia inspired a new foundation.
The Christian Pesamino Leukaemia Foundation, established earlier this year, provides financial assistance, advocacy, and support to families facing cancer in Fiji — particularly those unable to afford urgent treatment.
“Because we were there with him, we watched him go through this ordeal, and it was new to us — there was not much information available,” said Foundation President Treasure Marshall. “During his ordeal, he had asked that we form a foundation to raise awareness, because financial assistance is something that’s required, especially here when there’s not much insurance cover or facilities for cancer treatment.”
Marshall said the foundation had already quietly helped families fund treatment abroad.
“As soon as we saw the plight on Facebook, we brought it up to the club, had a couple of barrel nights, raised money and helped send the people to India for treatment,” she said.
Christian’s older brother, Phillip Pesamino, shared on what the event meant for the family.
“He would have been one of the paddlers, that’s for sure. That’s what he was wanting at the last stages because he was doing the planning for the first one. Unfortunately, he couldn’t recover,” he said.
Phillip also underscored the importance of early detection of lesser-known cancers.
“Right now, understandably, our major cancers in Fiji are breast cancer, cervical cancer and the likes,” he said. “But we need to promote more awareness on the lesser-known cancers so that we are able to diagnose earlier. That way, more families will have a much better chance.”
Steven Andrews, Chairman of the Paddle for Cancer Committee, described the event as “quite emotional.”
“Each paddler came out because they wanted to be part of this great cause. Christian is smiling from heaven looking down at what we accomplished today,” he said.
He also reassured families currently battling cancer.
“We understand what you’re going through. Just remember you are not alone — you have organisations like the Paddle for Cancer and the Christian Pesamino Foundation that are there to come out and support you.”
For Joeli Naua Kata, a paddler from Six Senses Fiji, the journey was personal.
“I lost my mom and my sister to cancer. I came here not only for the paddling, but at the end of the day it’s for those who may be helped. It’s not about money, but it’s about giving,” he said.
The event, supported by local resorts, volunteers, and sponsors, ended with paddlers arriving at Wailoaloa to applause and embraces.
“As I told the foundation members, this is just the beginning,” Marshall said. “God willing, we will grow, and we will try and help as many as we can.”
PS Tourism and Civil Aviation, Salaseini Daunabuna, who closed the event, praised the spirit of collaboration.
“This event shows the best of Fiji, resorts, businesses, and individuals working together for a common purpose. Every act of support strengthens the heart of our nation. Vinaka vakalevu to the committee, the Christian Pesamino Leukemia Foundation, and to all the paddlers, volunteers, and sponsors for being part of something so special.”
