Anna Bugotu is a single mother, and works full time to support her daughter and extended family in Solomon Islands.

Last year, Anna began experiencing severe exhaustion and was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease. Her condition has now progressed to the point where walking only a few steps can leave her needing to stop and rest. Although Anna may appear well, her illness is severe and she urgently needs life-saving heart surgery.

The treatment Anna requires is not available in Solomon Islands. She must travel overseas, but to have the surgery and associated costs in India will cost AUD $35,000, far beyond what Anna and her family can afford.

Anna’s struggle was recently highlighted as part of an ABC investigation into access to overseas medical treatment in Solomon Islands. The investigation examined a system in which members of Parliament and their immediate families can receive publicly funded treatment overseas, while ordinary citizens such as Anna face extremely limited options. Although some public assistance exists, Anna has not qualified for the funding she needs and has been left to raise the money herself.

Despite her deteriorating health, Anna continues working and helping support her family. Her greatest motivation is her young daughter, Tiana, who now reminds her mother to rest whenever she is working too hard or feeling unwell. Anna wants the chance to regain her health, continue supporting her family and watch Tiana grow into a young woman.

Every donation, no matter the size, will bring Anna closer to the treatment she urgently needs. Funds raised will help cover her surgery, medical care and the costs of travelling overseas for treatment.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing Anna’s story. Your support could help give her a future with the daughter and family who need her.