Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo
A BULAWAYO family is appealing for assistance to raise US$20 000 to send their son to India for specialised treatment after he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
The patient, Ibongwe Moyo, fell ill in October last year, with what initially appeared to be a minor ailment before his condition rapidly deteriorated.
His father, Mr Brian Moyo, said the family first became alarmed when the boy started complaining of persistent groin and joint pains, which doctors initially suspected to be juvenile arthritis.
“There was no conclusive diagnosis after numerous tests, and the pain kept recurring. It became so severe that he could not walk and was frequently sent home from school,” said Mr Moyo.
He said the boy’s condition worsened towards the end of the school term, forcing him to stop attending classes altogether.
“At times, we would be called to collect him from school when the pain became unbearable. He would be given pain medication at hospital, but it only offered temporary relief,” he said.
Mr Moyo said the situation took a worrying turn when his son began experiencing prolonged nosebleeds, some lasting for hours.
Doctors at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) then recommended further investigations after suspecting a blood disorder, as the bleeding was failing to clot.
“They suspected it could be leukaemia and referred us to a specialist, who conducted further tests and diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML),” said Mr Moyo.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterised by the rapid production of abnormal blood cells that interfere with normal blood cell formation.
Mr Moyo said doctors have recommended chemotherapy and a possible bone marrow transplant, with India identified as the most viable option for the procedure.
“The estimated cost for treatment is around US$20 000, which is beyond our reach as a family,” he said.
The financial strain, Mr Moyo said, has taken a heavy toll on the family, which has five other children at different stages of education.
“Financially, this has affected everyone in the family. We have tried our best so far, but we can no longer manage on our own,” he said.
The family is appealing to well-wishers, corporate organisations and the public for financial assistance or donor support to help save their son’s life.
Those willing to assist can contact Mr Brian Moyo on +263 774 564 718 or Ms Florance Damaso (Ibongwe’s mother) on +263 778 704 852, via WhatsApp or direct call.
