Zimpapers Reporter
A 19-YEAR-OLD woman with kidney failure is appealing for US$1 000 to undergo essential medical tests and continue treatment following major kidney surgery.
Tamisha McKinnon, who lives with her mother, Shamila, in Gumtree, Bulawayo, has been in and out of hospitals for years, with her health challenges worsening after surgery in February this year.
Her mother said Tamisha’s medical journey began when she was 14, with repeated visits to doctors and hospitals before investigations revealed that she had an ectopic kidney with a pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction, which led to end-stage kidney failure.
She subsequently underwent a nephrectomy (surgical removal of the kidney) in February 2026.
However, her health problems persisted, with Tamisha being diagnosed with chronic gastritis a month after the operation. She was admitted to hospital and later developed further complications, including collapsing and experiencing severe stomach problems.
“She’s been a sick child since the age of 14, going up and down to doctors and hospitals, having test after test done until she got terribly sick and was admitted to hospitals,” said Shamila.
Tamisha has since been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cardiogenic syncope, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder and seizures.
Her condition requires further investigations, including a 48-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, an electroencephalogram (EEG), an MRI scan and a colonoscopy. She also needs therapy for PTSD and medication as part of her ongoing care.
The family is appealing for US$1 000 to help cover the costs of the tests, treatment and medication.
Shamila, who is raising her daughter as a single parent, said the financial burden has become overwhelming as she tries to secure the medical care Tamisha needs.
“Lately she has been up and down to hospital. It started with her collapsing and having terrible stomach problems,” she said.
“For those that can, please could you help with whatever you can so my baby girl gets better.”
The family’s circumstances have also affected their livelihood. Shamila previously worked at a nursery school but had to take time off because of Tamisha’s condition and the demands of caring for her.
Despite the challenges, she hopes to fulfil her ambition of becoming a great nursery school teacher, while her immediate priority remains helping her daughter recover.
The family is appealing to well-wishers to contribute towards the US$1 000 medical fund and help Tamisha access the tests and treatment she needs.
The family can be contacted on 0772436977.
