Stories from our Pasifika community
Enjoy our selection of inspiring Pasifika stories. Hear from people living with heart disease. Read stories from our nutrition course graduates. Find out about the latest in Pasifika heart health research.
Making changes after a heart attack
Keith talks about his experience of a heart attack, how it affected his family and some of the changes he has made.
“Fellowship over food is the way to engage”
Pacific Heartbeat course graduate is sharing her knowledge with the youngest to the oldest members of her community.
Making a stand for his heart health
“Try and surround yourself with people who will give you positive motivation,” says Arthur – a cardiac arrest survivor who’s had to make a lot of lifestyle changes.
Long-term changes in Pasifika heart health
A 10-year follow-up study on the heart health of Pacific people in Canterbury will generate valuable insights into how risk factors change over time and identify strategies for preventing and managing heart disease.
From open heart surgery to personal trainer
Peneueta was in his early 30s when he was shocked to discover he needed open heart surgery. He explains how he coped and how the experience triggered a new career path as a personal trainer.
Investigating genetic link for premature heart disease
Dr Pritika Narayan is investigating a striking pattern of premature heart disease that affects some New Zealand families with genetic links to the Fiji Islands. Her work is part of a three-year research project and fellowship awarded by the Heart Foundation.
“We’ve got young guys gone before their time”
Soane hoped his active lifestyle would balance out the negative effects of smoking and drinking. But a heart attack at 39 changed all that. Supported by his family and faith, he's now living a healthier life and encouraging others to do the same.
Watch Soane's video
Integrating Māori and Pacific cultures to advance heart health
Researching the integration of Māori and Pacific cultural values into heart health is the focus of Vaea Ulima Tofi, a Māori Samoan researcher and recipient of the Heart Foundation Māori and Pacific Research Fellowship.
“I thought when I was younger that I wouldn’t make it to 35.”
Leka had premonitions of his heart giving up in middle age that came true when he suffered a major heart attack at the age of 35. After having two stents fitted, he’s now looking farther into the future.
The value of support after surgery
Recovering from aortic dissection surgery is hard enough, but for Roni there was also the need for corrective surgery after. Support is what pulled him through.
Atrial fibrillation: ‘Just something I have to deal with’
While still in his thirties, dad-of-three Sela was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. This diagnosis led to the additional revelation that Sela had been born with a heart valve problem. This is Sela’s story, as told to the Heart Foundation in an interview.
