In a remote village on Taro Island in the Solomon Islands, a medical emergency turned into a powerful story of life-saving action, thanks to the training and quick thinking of two 10,000 Toes Ambassadors.
Carey Anne, a newly trained local Ambassador, was doing routine blood pressure checks for two women in her community. One reading was normal. But the second would change everything.
“At first, the machine didn’t respond,” Carey Anne recalls. “I tried again, just like I was trained. The woman looked unwell, dizzy, with slurred speech. I knew something was wrong.”
With urgency and calm, Carey Anne reached out to Franklyn, the Lead Ambassador in her region. He advised letting the woman rest for 10 minutes before checking again. The second reading confirmed their fears: 240/130 mmHg – a life-threatening medical emergency.
Without hesitation, the team organised transport by canoe, taking the woman across the water to the nearest hospital. Medical staff confirmed the reading and admitted her for emergency care.
“Knowing I helped save her life fills me with gratitude,” Carey Anne shared. “If we weren’t trained… she may not have survived.”
Franklyn added,
“This is why The 10,000 Toes Campaign matters. Local people, trained and equipped, are stepping in where access to doctors is limited. Our Ambassadors aren’t just volunteers; they’re lifelines.”
Training Local Heroes
Carey Anne is one of many grassroots volunteers trained by The 10,000 Toes Campaign across the South Pacific. Ambassadors learn how to check blood pressure and blood sugar, recognise danger signs, and take action. We supply them with basic screening kits and training.
“Before my training, I wouldn’t have known what to do,” Carey Anne said. “Now I feel confident. I can help my community. And I know I made a difference.”
Our mission is simple: to detect health problems early, before they become emergencies.
Why This Matters
In many parts of the South Pacific, people still die from preventable conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, simply because there’s no early screening or local support.
Our trained Ambassadors and support through our Adopt a Wellness Clinic initiative are changing that: one life, one village, one screening at a time.
You Can Help Save Lives
Please donate now to help us train more local heroes across the Pacific.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia.
- $180 covers the cost of a complete 10,000 Toes Health Kit Backpack, which includes: a blood pressure monitor, a glucose meter, weight scales, lancets, glucose strips, a tape measure, and freight to the South Pacific islands. This kit was used by Carey Anne.
- $50 trains a local volunteer Ambassador in a Lifestyle Intervention Program. Carey Anne received this training.
- $10 covers testing 10 people for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. The woman with high blood pressure received this testing.
