In January 2022, during a ceremonial visit to the remote Island of Neifau, Tongan priest Father Sosefo – after 17 years of dedicated ministry, suffered a life-altering turn after accidentally stepping on glass.
What began as a minor wound rapidly deteriorated due to worsening infections and seizures. With limited medical care, Fr Sosefo faced the devastating prospect of amputation in Tonga.
“I was told there was no hope for my leg and I was afraid. In Tonga, many amputees don’t survive. I could not imagine not continuing my work,” said Fr Sosefo.
Cared for by his sister, a registered nurse of 30 years, Fr Sosefo remained hopeful, enduring two difficult years of daily dressings and isolation, unable to serve his parish. This experience tested his strength and spirit.
“Life was very difficult – I couldn’t stand or sleep properly. It was my faith that kept me going,” admitted Fr Sosefo.
Eventually, his close friend, Father Ita, encouraged him to travel to Australia in the hope that a change of environment might help his mental wellbeing.
During his stay, Fr Sosefo visited a general practitioner who recommended he seek a second opinion at St Vincent’s Hospital.
There, St Vincent’s specialists gave him renewed hope. Within 24 hours of assessment, they performed life-changing surgery – an amputation that paved the way for a new beginning, including a prosthetic leg and the possibility of walking again.
Thanks to the generous support of St Vincent’s Curran Foundation’s Healing, Hope and Humanity fund, and in the spirit of the founding Sisters of Charity, Fr Sosefo received the gift of mobility and independence.
“I cried tears of joy after the operation. For the first time, I could imagine standing on my own again.”
With generous donations from St Vincent’s Curran Foundation’s supporters, the Healing, Hope and Humanity Fund enables St Vincent’s Hospitals to provide critical care for refugees, those who do not qualify for Medicare, and patients from developing countries who cannot access first-class care in their own country.
“People’s kindness and generosity gave me hope and changed my life. It reminded me of why God has still given me life for a reason – to make use of the chance that I have to do my best to serve,” said Fr Sosefo. “When you care for others, you pay it forward. That’s what I will do.”
St Vincent’s Hospital needs your help to keep providing this essential and compassionate care to people in need. Leaving a gift in your Will to St Vincent’s is a powerful way to transform the future of healthcare for generations.
Contact us for a confidential discussion to find out more on 1800 800 595 or [email protected].