Bulawayo teacher leaves for kidney transplant surgery in India

MRS Isabel Mavengano, a 52-year-old teacher from Bulawayo who has been battling a chronic kidney ailment for several years, has secured a matching organ donor and on Thursday left the country for a life-saving kidney transplant in India.

Accompanied by her husband, Mr Richard Mavengano, she departed for the surgery at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport. They will be travelling with the donor, a family member who is based overseas.

Family and friends, who have supported Mrs Mavengano throughout her challenging journey, gathered at the airport to bid her farewell, offering their well-wishes and prayers for the upcoming procedure.

The surgery, which is not readily available in Zimbabwe, will be performed in India at an estimated cost of US$40,000. Through fundraising efforts, including a GoFundMe campaign, individuals, and companies came together to help raise US$29,300 of the required amount to cover the surgery, post-operative care, and travel and accommodation expenses.

Mrs Mavengano’s initial kidney donor had to withdraw due to health complications, but she was fortunate enough to secure another donor, a family member, who will be travelling with her for the procedure.

Speaking at the airport, Mrs Mavengano’s friend, Mrs Nomathuli Makwenzi, who played an active role in the fundraising efforts, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community and people from around the world.

“This was possible because of the support from people worldwide. It’s a testimony of what unity can bring. We are all looking forward to Mrs Mavengano being back on her feet after the procedure,” she said.

She also mentioned the success of a fundraising walk that had been held to promote awareness and raise additional funds for the cause.

Mrs Charity Kwangwadzai, another family friend who contributed to the fundraising, shared her excitement about Mrs Mavengano’s trip and the potential success of the transplant.

“It’s such an exciting day for us to see them travel to India for the transplant. We are hoping and praying that the procedure will be a success. We trust that both Mrs Mavengano and the donor will be well,” said Mrs Kwangwadzai.

Mr Tulani Makwenzi, a committee member involved in the fundraising, also expressed his gratitude to all who had contributed.

“We are hopeful that the funds will see Mrs Mavengano through her treatment in India, and we appreciate everyone’s support. Please continue to keep her and the donor in your prayers,” he said in a statement.

Mrs Mavengano, who teaches children with learning difficulties, has been on peritoneal dialysis for the past three years, a treatment that has helped maintain her condition but is not a long-term solution. Her doctors have recommended a kidney transplant as the best course of action for her health and survival.

She has been managing her health condition since the age of 16, when she was diagnosed with diabetes, and has been on insulin treatment ever since. However, her kidney condition has limited her ability to perform everyday tasks, and she has been forced to avoid certain foods due to her health requirements.

“This condition has taken a toll on me. I can no longer take as much fluid as I want. It has also made me prone to anaemia, and I’ve lost a lot of energy,” Mrs Mavengano explained.

“The dialysis requires a lot of planning and has restricted my diet. I can no longer enjoy foods high in phosphorus and iodine, like choumoellier and sweet potatoes,” she added.

Mrs Mavengano is expected to be in India for at least two months as she undergoes treatment and recovery. Her family and friends remain hopeful for her full recovery and look forward to her return with a new kidney, ready to regain her health and quality of life.