‘Help me walk again’: Bulawayo woman’s US$10K plea after Sickle Cell complication

A 25-year-old woman from Bulawayo is appealing for public assistance after a severe complication of sickle cell disease left her unable to walk and in constant pain.

Nomagugu Khumalo, who has lived with the hereditary blood disorder since childhood, now requires urgent hip replacement surgery following a diagnosis of avascular necrosis.

Khumalo’s health struggles began at an early age.

She recalls being in and out of hospital for months at a time, undergoing numerous medical tests that initially failed to detect the cause of her recurring illness.

“It was only after further blood tests during one of my admissions that doctors diagnosed me with sickle cell disease,” she said.

“A lifelong condition that affects red blood cells and can lead to severe pain episodes and infections.”

At the time of her diagnosis, access to medication in Zimbabwe was limited, forcing her to rely mainly on monthly injections to prevent infections.

“Sickle cell has no cure and I basically have to live with it,” she said.

Despite the challenges, she persevered through school, determined not to let the illness define her future.

However, during her school years, she began experiencing sharp pain in her right leg, accompanied by limping and swelling.

“Multiple hospital visits and tests, including X-rays and blood work, failed to immediately identify the problem.

“It was only last year that the pain intensified to the point where walking became extremely difficult.”

Doctors eventually determined that she had developed avascular necrosis, a known complication of sickle cell disease that occurs when blood supply to the bone is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die.

Medical specialists have recommended urgent hip replacement surgery to restore her mobility and relieve the debilitating pain.

The total cost of the procedure is estimated at US$8,500, with an additional US$1,600 required for transport and related expenses, an amount far beyond what she and her family can afford.

Nomagugu Khumalo is now appealing to well-wishers for financial assistance to help her undergo the life-changing operation.

“Your kindness could change my life and help me walk again,” she said.

Well-wishers are advised to contact her on +263 776 731 524 or [email protected] for donations.