MIL OSI – Source: Heart Foundation – Press Release/Statement
Headline: A Farewell in the Fale – from Samuel Lafolua
The Pacific Heartbeat brothers together at Sam’s farewell. From left to right, Tony, Sela, Edward and Sam
Being part of the Heart Foundation and Pacific Heartbeat (PHB) family has been such a blessing in my life. No words can express how much of an influence/impact this organisation and the people within has had on my life.
On the 17th November 2008, I walked through the doors of the Heart Foundation building as a FOB (Fresh off the Boat) who knew nothing about this organisation other than its work focused on heart health. With a mince pie, a sausage roll and a nice cold can of coke for lunch on that first day, I was confused and somewhat offended at how “colleagues” looked at me…lolz.
Seven years later, I look back on my journey with the Heart Foundation and PHB and the impact this organisation and the people – my friends, my brothers and sisters, my aiga – have had on me. I am truly thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to have been part of this aiga and the chance to have worked with such a committed, dedicated and passionate group of people – working tirelessly to stop all New Zealanders, including myself, dying prematurely from heart disease. I have so much respect for what this organisation stands for and values, but even more so for the people who work there and who I am privileged to call my friends, my family.
My journey at PHB also enabled me to meet and work alongside some awesome and remarkable individuals from the Certificate in Pacific Nutrition course and T3 (Train-the-trainer) Programme. They have truly been an inspiration and motivation in my work over the years and for this I say – Fa’afetai tele lava!
Let me not hold the memories of my time at Heart Foundation and PHB in my hand – for I may drop and lose it. Let me not wear it on my head – for the wind may blow it away and it will be lost forever, but may I keep it between my heart and my lungs – so that every breath I take and with every beat of my heart – I remember you all with love.
Much alofas
Sam
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