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Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
A 41-YEAR-OLD woman from Harrisvale suburb in Bulawayo is seeking US$15 000 for her four-year-old son to undergo heart surgery in India.
Tafara (4) has an Antrio-Ventricular Septal Defect (AVSD).
An AVSD is a heart defect in which there are holes between the chambers of the right and left sides of the heart and the valves that control the flow of blood between these chambers may not be formed correctly.
Symptoms may include difficulty in breathing or rapid breathing, wheezing, fatigue, lack of appetite, poor weight gain, pale skin colour, bluish discolouration of the lips and skin.
Ms Rhoda Phiri said her son needs funds to go to India for a surgery and treatment.
The last born in a family of three, and the only one with the challenge, boy was diagnosed with the problem last year in June.
Ms Phiri said he developed a wheezing cough that lasted for weeks and when she took him to a private doctor, she was told it was caused by asthma.
She said he was given medication to treat the asthma but the problem persisted.
When more tests were conducted, it was discovered that little Tafara had the heart condition.
“The doctor told me my son has holes in his heart and as a result his left valve is not working. He recommended medication which he thought would help to close the holes.
However, after he finished them the holes were there so that is when he suggested that we look for funds and go to India where he is sure he might get the help that he needs,” she said.
She said although he looks healthy, young Tafara has days when he gets sick.
She said the doctors told her that the operation is needed as soon as possible because the condition is advancing daily.
“Tafara is currently surviving by taking pills three times a day. There are times when he gets really sick and becomes weak. I am self-employed so getting the medication is at times very stressful. I am asking for help,” said Ms Phiri.
She said the money that is needed covers travel and hospital bills since she has to accompany her child to India.
Ms Phiri can be contacted on 0713164827. — @flora_sibanda
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo