Jonah on his way to recovery from a rare disease

NINE-year-old Jonah Hawa, from a remote village in Kikori, Gulf, with a rare health condition known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been able to receive medical help in Port Moresby, thanks to Santos.
He is one of Hibi and Cathy Hawa’s four children.
Like other kids his age, Jonah used to be energetic and enjoyed playing with his friends and swimming in the river.
He was enrolled in a local elementary school and was always early for classes.
Then in March, everything changed.
“We heard him crying for help as he could not move his legs and I thought he was joking when he told us that he couldn’t stand up,” Hibi said.
Jonah was immediately taken to Kikori Hospital but his health deteriorated quickly.
“The hospital told us Jonah had a rare health condition known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome ,” Hibi said.
GBS severely affects muscles in the upper and lower limbs as well as breathing ability.
“It was a very painful experience watching our son fighting to live another day,” Cathy said.
The self-employed family from Babaguna remained in hospital until a medevac had been arranged for them to seek further medical attention for Jonah in Port Moresby.
“We then found out later (that) it was Santos who came to our rescue,” Cathy said.

“Not only did they organise the medevac, but they also provided ongoing support to our son when we were at the hospital.
“We could not give him the medical attention he needed.
“Santos made it easier for us.
“All accommodation and flight expenses were taken care of while we were in Port Moresby.
“Not everyone gets the kind of support that Jonah received, and we feel very blessed.”