“I don’t want to die. I want to live for my wife and my two sons. I want to raise them, and I want to give back. And now, because of all of you, I believe I can.” Those were the heartfelt words of Samuel Somne (33), a father, husband and tribesman, following a successful corporate fundraising dinner held on Saturday, July 12 at Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, which gave him a renewed chance at life. Diagnosed with a brain tumour, Samuel knew from the beginning that he was not only fighting for himself, but for his wife Florence and their two young sons. Now, with overwhelming support from his family, friends and fellow tribesmen from Injua Village, Nipa, in the Southern Highlands Province, Samuel is preparing to travel to India on July 25, 2025, for the urgent brain surgery he needs. The fundraiser brought together close friends, colleagues, in-laws and community members who gave generously and stood by him in unity. “I was holding on to this one hope,” Samuel told the crowd. “Seeing all of you here and with some giving from what little they have, that leaves me speechless.” At the heart of it all were his people, including fellow tribesman and master of ceremony for the night, Mr. Luke Mongolap, who spoke proudly of Samuel’s role in their community. “In our village, we do not have many educated men. There is only just a few and Samuel is one of them,” Luke said. “Even if it means spending our last to help him, we will. He is worth it.” The night’s guest speaker, Mr. Wapu Sonk, Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd, reminded the guests of the importance of helping people while they are still alive. “We must help people when they are alive, not when they are dead. This is the moment to show we care,” Mr. Sonk said. Samuel’s health issues began in 2021 when he started experiencing seizures in his sleep. By 2023, they worsened, and he began collapsing at work. A scan at Port Moresby General Hospital confirmed the presence of a tumour. He was advised to seek treatment overseas immediately. “Many of you I do not even know personally,” Samuel said. “But you gave. You believed in my life.” As he now prepares to leave the country, Samuel carries not just medical records and hope, but the strength and love of a community that rallied to keep him alive. His story is a reminder to all of us that we must not come together only in death, but when someone is still fighting to live.