Founded to fulfil the mission of the Sisters of Charity, St Vincent’s Hospitals hold to the vision of the venerable Sister Mary Aikenhead to deliver help to those in need. We are especially committed to people who are poor and vulnerable through Mission-based programs, including the Healing Hope and Humanity Fund.
The Healing, Hope and Humanity Fund (HHH Fund) provides vital funding to cover crucial medical treatment for marginalised or disadvantaged patients who may otherwise not be able to afford medical treatment.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors and bequests, Father Sosefo, a devoted priest of 17 years, has been given the gift of mobility and independence through a prosthetic leg.
While conducting a ceremonial visit to the remote Tongan island of Neiafu, Father Sosefo accidentally stepped on some glass and shortly after, his health deteriorated with severe infections and seizures. With limited access to medical care, doctors recommended an amputation. Father Sosefo faced the daunting reality of losing his leg and his ability to help his community.
“I was afraid. In Tonga, many amputees don’t survive. I didn’t want to amputate because I wanted to be able to walk and continue my work,” said Father Sosefo.
With the care of his sister, an experienced nurse, Father Sosefo endured two difficult years of daily dressings and isolation, unable to serve his parish.
Finally, a friend, Father Ita, encouraged him to visit Australia, hoping it would improve his mental wellbeing. During the visit, he saw a GP and they recommended that he visit St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst.
St Vincent’s specialists assessed Father Sosefo’s situation and offered him a sense of hope by explaining the process of an amputation and prosthetic. Within 24 hours, they had performed the life-changing surgery that not only restored his ability to walk but also reignited his sense of purpose.
Reflecting on his journey, Father Sosefo shared, “I cried tears of joy after the operation. For the first time in years, I could imagine standing on my own again with my prosthetic leg.”
In particular, generous legacy gifts from members of our St Vincent’s community have played a crucial role in enabling our Healing, Hope and Humanity Fund to continue providing compassionate care to those experiencing homelessness, refugees, and others who cannot otherwise access equitable healthcare.
“Your kindness and generosity gave me hope and changed my life. Please continue to support others in need, as you have supported me. When you care for others, you pay it forward. That’s what I will do.”
Your legacy can form a part of the St Vincent’s story.
St Vincent’s Curran Foundation is currently running a promotion with our online Will partner, Safewill, to provide members of our community with the opportunity to write their Will for free. A legacy gift in your Will can help support our Healing, Hope and Humanity Fund and ensure St Vincent’s can continue to provide crucial medical care for marginalised or disadvantaged patients during their time of need.