PETER KRANZ
IT WAS WITH SADNESS that I read of the death of Kairu Laho.
Kairu was an effective and talented public relations director at the University of Papua New Guinea for 10 years and I remember her as a creative person with a great sense of humour who worked hard to promote the public image of the university and its many interests.
These ranged trough art exhibitions, theatre and music productions, fund raising events, promotion of research and organising social activities.
I am sure many people associated with UPNG will have worked with Kairu and share my feelings.
That her young and promising life should be cut so prematurely short by cancer is a great tragedy, but hopefully may lead to a greater awareness of breast cancer as a threat to the women of PNG.
Vale Kairu.
_____________________
From an obituary in The National -
Journalist Kairu Sandra Laho died from cancer a day before she was to fly overseas for medical treatment, according to a colleague.
The funds for the trip had been raised by her friends and relatives.
She was employed at the University of Papua New Guinea’s public relations and marketing unit when she died on 20 October.
A colleague said they had been raising funds to fly her out the next day to Manila, Philippines, for the medical treatment.
She joined UPNG in 2002 as a public relations officer and later coordinated the marketing unit.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in April this year. She went for regular checks.
Her colleague said her friends and family took the initiative to raise the K100,000 needed for the trip to Manila.
The university management and students would truly miss Laho for her dedication.
Laho, a single mother, is survived by her two sons Ayrton and Trevor Yagas.
This is very sad news. Kairu was also a talented sportswoman, I believe she represented PNG in basketball.
Kairu's family like mine are long time residents of Tokarara.
May you rest in peace sister.
Posted by: Fiona Hukula | 27 October 2012 at 08:35 AM