Today we begin a new series of testimonials sharing praise reports of God’s blessings, told by survivors and overcomers who have endured and come through some of life’s greatest challenges.

The testimony of Elisapeta Wanda Galuvao is one that speaks of courage, faith, gratitude and the precious gift of a second chance at life.

Speaking to Samoa Global News from her room at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital in Nadi, Fiji, Mrs Galuvao shares the story of her life-saving heart surgery and her gratitude for the opportunity to spend more precious time with her children and grandchildren.

Testimony

“My name is Elisapeta Wanda Galuvao. I am a mother of four beautiful daughters, a grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren, and the loving wife of Leuluaialiiotumua Alolu Galuvao.

“I share my story of how I got my second chance at life, with the hope that it may help our Samoan and Pacific people seek the right treatment, especially when it comes to heart disease.

“I also want to share my experience of being treated at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital in Nadi, Fiji, and the wonderful doctors I was blessed to have.”

Early Warning Signs

“Around 2021, I started noticing that my feet and hands would swell. I also began finding bruises on my body without remembering how I got them, and I was constantly short of breath.

“I knew something wasn’t right, but never did I imagine it would eventually lead to me having to undergo open-heart surgery.”

The Diagnosis

“After several visits to the hospital, I finally received the answers I had been searching for.

“I was diagnosed with a leaking heart valve. This was forcing my heart to work harder and, over time, the strain caused my heart to enlarge.

“My enlarged heart was causing much of the discomfort I was feeling, as well as symptoms such as swelling in my feet and hands and shortness of breath.

“From the moment I was diagnosed, the wonderful medical team at Motootua National Hospital began closely monitoring my condition.

“I was sent to Alec’s Clinic for regular echocardiograms, and I was reviewed by overseas specialists whenever visiting medical teams were in Samoa.”

Heart Surgery

“After careful assessment, it was recommended that I undergo heart surgery. That was followed by a long wait and, initially, I was told that I would need to fly to India for the surgery.

“India. I began to dread the long flight and the thought of being so far away from home.”

Fiji Instead of India

“I was blessed with a turn of events when the Samoa Government established a new partnership with Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Nadi and its specialist cardiac team.

“After another few months of waiting, my prayers were answered at the beginning of this year when we received the news that I had been approved to travel to Fiji for my operation.

“I was overjoyed and so grateful to learn that I could have my surgery in Fiji instead. It was much closer to home, and the only expense my family had to cover was the airfare for my daughter and me.”

Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH)

“By God’s grace, my daughter Theresa and I arrived in Fiji on Friday, 3 July 2026. We were greeted at the airport by hospital staff who were so hospitable and welcoming.

“They took us to the hospital, where I underwent all my pre-operative tests that same day.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Khulbey with Mrs Galuvao and daughter Theresa Martha, five days post operation.

“That was also the first day I met Dr Sanjeev Kumar Khulbey, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at PSH with more than 30 years of experience and thousands of complex heart surgeries performed over three decades.

“Dr Sanjeev told me that my surgery would take place the very next day — Saturday, 4 July.

“Although I was frightened because it was open-heart surgery, I placed my faith in God and trusted that I was in good hands.

“Knowing that the surgical team had successfully performed this type of operation many times before gave me comfort, confidence and the courage to go through with it.

“Everything was happening so quickly, but I was grateful that I didn’t have to wait any longer.

“I was looking forward to finally having the operation done. Dr Sanjeev explained the procedure thoroughly to both my daughter and me.

“I underwent open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve with a tissue valve, with the procedure performed using cardiopulmonary bypass. I was extubated in the ICU and was ready to be discharged five days after surgery.

“Two months on, as I reflect on my surgery and look ahead to my life with my husband, children and grandchildren, I am so thankful to say that my surgery was a success.”

Fa’afetai, Fa’afetai Tele Lava

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Government of Samoa for approving my referral to receive treatment overseas. I am also so grateful that my heart surgery could be performed by our friends at Pacific Specialist Healthcare Hospital in Nadi.

“This opportunity has truly given me a second chance at life, and I will always be thankful to everyone who made it possible.

“To the incredible surgeons, Dr Sanjeev and Dr Samuel, the nurses and the entire operating team at PSH — Vinaka vakalevu! Your kindness, compassion, encouragement and professionalism gave me strength throughout this journey.

“Every doctor, nurse and specialist who cared for me played an important role in my journey, and I am grateful to you all.

“You cared for me with such dedication, and I will never forget everything you have done for me.

“Most importantly, I give all glory and thanks to God. Through every challenge, every appointment, every prayer and every step of this journey, He has been with me.

“I truly believe He has given me another chance to live, to make more memories and to spend more precious time with my family and loved ones.

“To my family, my friends and everyone who kept me in their prayers, visited me, encouraged me and stood beside me — thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love, support and prayers carried me through the hardest days.

“As I continue my recovery, I look forward to embracing life with renewed gratitude, cherishing every moment and making the most of this precious second chance.

“I hope my story reminds others to listen to their bodies, seek medical help when something doesn’t feel right and never lose faith.

“With God’s grace, the support of loved ones and the dedication of compassionate healthcare workers, there is always hope.”

Mrs Galuvao’s Daughter: Theresa Martha Neves

Travelling with her mother, Theresa Martha Neves Galuvao also shares her testimony of her time at PSH and her experience accompanying her mother through surgery and recovery.

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Pacific Specialist Healthcare in Fiji for the wonderful care my mother received during her stay.

“From the first day we arrived, Mum and I were welcomed with kindness and compassion.

“The doctors, nurses and staff made us feel supported during one of the hardest times of our lives.

“One person who made a lasting impression on me was Dr Sanjeev. Throughout my mother’s time in the ICU, he consistently kept me informed about her condition.

“He always took the time to update me on how she was doing, answer my questions and make sure I understood everything that was happening.

“His kindness, compassion and dedication meant so much to me.

“I am also grateful to all the doctors, nurses and staff who worked together to care for my mother. Your hard work and kindness will never be forgotten.

“Thank you for everything you did for my mum. My family and I will always be grateful for your care and support.

“From the bottom of my heart, Vinaka vakalevu.”

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