Brave model tackles epilepsy

Dennis Chimanzi

RHODA Ruhukwa, an aspiring model who is affectionately known in the modelling circles as “Miss Becoming Rhoe”, has taken the fight against epilepsy to another level.

Diagnosed with epilepsy some three years back, the 2021 Miss Gweru pageant winner is now in the forefront of awareness campaigns against epilepsy.

Epilepsy is defined as a group of non-communicable neurological disorders that are characterised by recurrent epileptic seizures.

Epileptic seizures can vary from brief and nearly undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Ruhukwa is using her personal experiences to help those that are finding it unbearable to cope with the medical condition.

“When I was diagnosed with this condition in 2019, I nearly abandoned my studies at the Great Zimbabwe University. I got depressed and started to have suicidal tendencies,” revealed Ruhukwa.

Listening to a radio programme during an International Epilepsy Day commemoration helped change her mind.

“After listening to the programme, I told myself that I was going to live a happy life despite the condition. I was given a new lease of life. I was also determined to help those that are being affected by the condition,” the 22-year-old model added.

With her awareness campaigns, Ruhukwa is determined to reach out to as many marginalised communities as possible.

“There are many people out there who lack vital information on how one can cope with the condition. I want to reach out to as many people as I can since doing so will help save lives,” she reckons.

The model recounted how epilepsy negatively affected her life.

“I was at university and I had seizures and fell right in front of other students, among them boys. From that day, some of my friends started to shun me, resulting in me getting depressed and entertaining suicidal thoughts.”

In some communities, epilepsy is wrongly associated with evil spirits.

That is a misconception that the model and others of her like mind are fighting.

Through her personal experiences, she hopes to achieve more.