Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
“LIFE has dealt me unimaginable blows,” she says softly, her voice trembling, the kind of tremble caused by years of heartbreak.
For 36-year-old Ms Rudo Magara of Gweru, the past three years have unfolded like a series of storms with barely a moment to breathe. In 2021, Covid-19 stole her husband, leaving her widowed at 32 and having to fend for their young daughters. She had barely begun processing that loss when tragedy struck again.
Three days after burying her husband, her two-week-old baby girl died. Doctors suspected she might have contracted the same deadly virus that killed her father.
Her world shattered but fate was not done testing her.
Two years later, her three-year-old daughter, Uriella Akatendekaishe, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Ms Magara clung to hope, fasted, prayed and begged heaven for a miracle. Uriella fought with everything she had — eight rounds of chemotherapy, countless hospital visits, a mother’s unwavering arms as her greatest comfort.
On October 20 this year, Ms Magara faced yet another unimaginable heartbreak, little Uriella died in her embrace.
On Saturday, Ms Magara was among more than 100 participants who took part in the 10th Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk in Gweru. The annual event that brings together families affected by cancer, was held at the same time across the country’s major cities and towns, which included Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, Harare, Mutare and Chinhoyi.
Ms Magara walked to honour her late daughter and to find strength among others who know the language of loss.
“When your child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s like your world stops, but in the midst of unimaginable pain, find the courage to be strong. Your child needs you now more than ever,” she said.
As she laced up her sneakers, she found herself replaying the journey that changed her life.
“In 2021, at the age of 32, I lost my dear husband, Bright Mutemeri due to Covid-19 complications. That was on August 3 and we laid him to rest in Marondera,” she said.
She paused, her eyes fixed on a point far away, as if reliving the moment.
“On August 6, we were in Marondera preparing to come back from burying Bright. My two-week-old baby girl, Amadea Atikomborerashe, passed on. No post-mortem was done and doctors assumed it was Covid-19,” said Ms Magara.
Even then, she forced herself to keep going. She poured her love into her remaining daughters and prayed her family had suffered its last blow.
But in 2022, little Uriella fell ill. Doctors at Gweru Provincial Hospital diagnosed her with Neuroblastoma. She endured eight cycles of chemotherapy “remarkably well,” her mother said. In December 2022, scans suggested the cancer was gone.
“That was some sweet news I got that year,” Ms Magara recalled.
“But in June the following year, the cancer returned and this time, attacking her mouth. She couldn’t chew, so I had to do the chewing for her. Despite the pain, Uriella insisted on going to school and demanded that I bathe her every morning.”
In August, Ms Magara said she was told he daughter needed blood transfusions. She was passing urine with cloths. Her tiny body was failing.
On October 13, she was transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. A week later, she took her last breath.
“I was with her at Parirenyatwa until she breathed her last. Even if I cry, I tell myself I did my level best. I was there with her from day one,” said Ms Magara.
“I thank God for the strength. I did it and I am proud that I raised a fighter, a strong girl.”
Ms Magara now works at a local bank and is raising her remaining daughter, 12-year-old Nika Chikomborero, who has just completed Grade Seven. She has not remarried. Instead, she pours her strength, faith and time into healing and helping others heal.
“As people, no matter our circumstances, we must always thank God for everything. I’ve remained sane because of God, and because of sharing my story with people in similar or worse situations,” she said.
Surrounded by survivors, caregivers and supporters, she stepped forward in the Cancer Power Walk, a symbolic act of courage after years of carrying unimaginable pain. Participants either cycled or walked distances of 5km, 10km and 21km, turning cities across the country into hubs of hope and remembrance.
At the finish line, Ms Magara received her medal, a small but powerful reminder that she is still standing. She was also invited to share Uriella’s journey. “The Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk did me some good. The experience was great. I felt refreshed and sharing my story gave me some closure. Hopefully, it will encourage someone in the same predicament,” she said.
