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Walter Mswazi, Masvingo Correspondent
A FAMILY in Masvingo is appealing for cash amounting to $50 000 to have their eight month-old child, Thayel Makatendeka Botsa undergo liver transplant in India after she was diagnosed with consistent liver cirrhosis and biliary atresia.
His father, Mr Richard Kumbirai Botsa who stays in Rujeko of Rujeko C and is employed as a loss controller officer with Zesa in Masvingo, has volunteered to donate a piece of the liver to his child to have the surgery done but the astronomic costs are beyond his reach.
He said Thayel was diagnosed with jaundice, a few weeks after her birth at Masvingo General Hospital but that has developed into a life threatening health condition and was only discovered after a medical procedure called liver biopsy was done.
Although the child looks heathy, Mr Botsa said her feeding habits have drastically changed and she was losing weight with her abdomen bulging out as it is now swollen.
“The doctor has recommended a liver transplant within 120 days from now to save her and we have inquired about where this can be done and found out that it is only in India. South Africa is expensive and there is restriction on foreigners but India is the only option. The procedure has been quoted at $37 482 in India but when taking into account the travel, accommodation and food expenses for the parents during the time of surgery, it will shoot to about
$50 000,” said Mr Botsa.
He said the surgery cannot be done in Zimbabwe and the operation is long overdue adding that Thayel should have the operation by 30 November.
“My wife Adelaide Botsa is not employed and I am the only bread winner in the family with three other children aged 13 and twins aged nine to look after.
“I am reaching out to individuals, civic organisations, community and Government to assist us in cash or in kind towards saving Thayel’s life. Blessed is the hand that giveth than the one that receiveth,” he said.
Those who can assist can deposit money into Mr Botsa’s Cabs Bank, Chipinge Branch, Account Number: 9040419140, Ecocash: 263774100122.
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