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Health Reporter
A RUSAPE woman, Mollen Nyamhotsi, who was diagnosed with a kidney disease and chronic renal failure, is appealing to the public for assistance to secure funds to travel to India for a kidney transplant.
At least $25 000 is required for her to be flown to India.
Mollen (27) was diagnosed with chronic glomerulonephritis, a kidney disorder caused by slow, cumulative damage and scarring of the tiny blood filters in the kidneys.
These filters, known as glomeruli, remove waste products from the blood. In chronic glomerulonephritis, scarring of the glomeruli, impedes the filtering process, trapping waste products in the blood while allowing red blood cells or proteins to escape into the urine, eventually producing the characteristic signs of high blood pressure and swelling in the legs and ankles.
The financial appeal follows a life-breathing gesture extended by her sister Tendai, who donated a kidney. Preliminary tests have confirmed Tendai was a suitable donor.
Mollen first discovered she had problems with her kidney last year following which her condition deteriorated to a point where she now requires haemodialysis.
She has been undergoing this treatment fortnightly since August at a cost of $1 800 per month. The bills were being met by her family.
The patient’s nephrologist, Dr Martin Odwee, advised her to consider renal transplant to improve her quality of life and life expectancy, either in South Africa or India.
The family is opting for India, where the costs are cheaper.
FACT Rusape executive director Mr Portipher Guta, who is co-ordinating the fund-raising, said the kidney transplant for both the patient and donor would cost $15 000. An additional $3 000 is needed for the patient and donor’s 60 days recovery stay in hospital.
Air tickets for the patient, donor and an accompanying relative costs around $4 500, while accommodation and food will cost $2 500.
“Mollen is married and is a mother to a young boy Tanatswa, who is four and all along her husband has been footing her medical bills. We are appealing for assistance on behalf of the family so that she can be flown to India for the kidney transplant as per the doctor’s recommendation,” said Mr Guta.
Those willing to assist can deposit their money in the Fact Rusape Account Number 8700271510500, Standard Chartered Bank, Rusape Branch.
The fundraisers can also be contacted on +263 772806974.
Online Reporter