adminShylet Saidi Herald Reporter
A widowed farmer from Nyamasanga Farm in Makonde is appealing for financial assistance to enable her 11-year-old daughter to undergo plastic surgery after she was seriously burnt by a paraffin lamp. Louise Gwanzura, the girl’s mother, said the operation which is scheduled for August 6 at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals was projected to cost well over US$5 000 as it involves separating her upper abdomen from her lower abdomen.
Tambudzai Takawira was burnt on October 29 last year and got 26 percent degree burns on her abdomen and both hands.
The surgery is her only hope to have a normal life and be able to walk, sit and even take her own bath. The plastic surgery would reduce the contractions on her elbows and abdomen.
Due to the seriousness of her burns, Tambudzai underwent skin grafting on her abdomen, but she cannot walk upright or stretch her hands as she has contractions on both elbows and abdomen.
This has reduced her mobility as she needs to be carried.
Gwanzura, who spent more than seven months in hospital with her daughter, said it was painful to see her in excruciating pain.
“Hapana chakawoma sekuwona mwana achirwadziwa haukwanisi kana kubva parutivi pake uchitya kuti hameno zvingazoitika usipo. (It’s very difficult to look after a child in such pain),’’ she said.
Gwanzura said besides the money needed for the plastic surgery she has other medical bills that have been accruing.
She managed to pay US$1 500 and left a balance of US$2 500 at Harare Central Hospital where her daughter was admitted for seven months before returning to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where she received treatment under social welfare.
Anyone willing to assist Tambudzai to finance the surgery and pay off her hospital bills so that she can get her life back can contact her mother on 0735242115 or 0738646669.
Online Reporter