A young Timorese mother joyfully flies home with her twin newborn baby boys, after serious bleeding resulted in a medevac to the national capital.
Author: Lobitos Alves
Mrs Serafina Cou, a 16-year-old mother from Atauro Island, experienced heavy bleeding while delivering her twin sons, Judah and Adah.
Her husband, Mr Oscar Alves, is a local fisherman. On weekends they would normally sell fried and fresh fish to visitors at the local market at Beloi Seaport.
However, this weekend was very different, as Mrs Cou and her twin boys were medically evacuated from Atauro Island to the capital, Dili.
Mrs Cou explained how the MAF flight helped them during their critical moment.
“I was bleeding after delivering my twin baby boys, who were also born with low-birth-weight condition.
“After delivery, the bleeding continued, and the nurses decided to transfer us to Dili because my babies also needed further treatment at the national hospital.”
MAF’s flight enabled them to reach the mainland in just 15 minutes, avoiding travel by boat, which would have involved crossing heavy seas, taking up to three hours, and potentially causing difficulties for the mother and her two baby boys’ condition.
Mrs Fatima Tael, the grandmother of the newborn twins, explained how vital the MAF flight was for them.
“We were supposed to be transferred by boat that night, but due to the heavy sea waves, we were unable to travel.
“If we could not travel by an MAF plane, my daughter’s life, as well as my twin grandchildren’s lives, would be in danger.”
Without the MAF plane, my daughter’s life and my twin grandchildren’s lives would be in danger.
“When we arrived in Dili, the MAF team also gave us a bag that contained food and sanitary supplies, and also some clothes for us, as well as for the babies,” said Mrs Tael.
“This gift was meaningful to us because we didn’t bring enough supplies at that time and didn’t have enough money to buy extra food.”
They stayed at the hospital for almost a month and were discharged. Two days later, they returned to Atauro on an MAF plane.
“We are thankful to MAF for providing us a return flight to our hometown, ensuring that we returned home safely and avoided traveling by boat, which could have affected our babies’ condition,” said Mrs Cuo.
“I’m super excited that my babies and I have fully recovered and we’re ready to come back home. The family at home will be happy to welcome their twin siblings.”
Mrs Suzana Nunes, an MAF Booking Officer, explained what it means to her to be part of the life-saving mission in her country.
“Being involved with Mission Aviation Fellowship is more than just a role, it is a privilege and a responsibility,” said Mrs Nunes.
“Knowing that I am part of this mission, whether directly or indirectly, gives me a sense of purpose and deep gratitude.
“Every time I witness a successful medical evacuation like this, it fills my heart with gratitude, not only for the lives saved but also for the opportunity to contribute to such a life-changing mission,” said Mrs Nunes.
“Gratitude does not always come from personal gain. Sometimes, it comes from witnessing the relief and joy of others.
“I am proud to know that I am standing with an organisation that values life, and I am humble to realise that I am only part of a greater mission, which is driven by faith, compassion and work.”