Beitbridge man who has battled cancer for 17 years appeals for financial help to get surgery

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau

A BEITBRIDGE woman is appealing for US$800 from well-wishers to fund a medical operation for her husband who has battled cancer for over 17 years.

In an interview, Mrs Milliet Ndou said her husband Mr Laston Kwinika (64) developed a cancerous growth that has covered three-quarters of his mouth.

Now, Mr Kwinika can hardly speak and is struggling to eat.

“In the last few years we have tried to get medical help in major hospitals in South Africa and Bulawayo without success,” she said.

“Last year we saw another doctor in Bulawayo who then told us our best option was getting him operated on, at Parirenyatwa in Harare. He then called his colleague in Harare who told us we would need US$800 to fund the medical operation.

At first, we thought we could manage and we have sold a lot of livestock to get him treated, but our efforts have come to nothing. Family members have been helping with material resources and food but it’s not sustainable.”

Mrs Ndou said her husband struggles to eat or speak and his diet has become largely porridge or vhuswa (Isitshwala/Sadza) with milk or drinking amahewu.

The couple has four children who are equally struggling in life and cannot raise enough for the medical operation.

Those willing to help can contact Mrs Ndou on +263 782 360 383 and +263 777 484 114 or visit the couple in Ha-Mahuhushe village about 5km east of Lutumba growth point in Beitbridge. X @tupeyo