Lifeline for renal patient

Health Reporter
A RUSAPE woman, Mollen Makoni-Nyamhotsi, who was diagnosed a kidney ailment and chronic renal failure, has been thrown a lifeline after her community raised $12 000 in fundraising, while politician Cde Killer Zivhu bought air tickets worth $4 400 for three.

At least $25 000 is required for her and two others to be flown to India for a kidney transplant.

The appeal follows a life-breathing gesture by the patient’s sister, Tendai, who donated a kidney and tests have confirmed her as a suitable donor.

The Rusape fundraising, which is part of the Save Molly Campaign spearheaded by FACT Rusape, saw Christian Care chipping in with $5 000, St Bartholomew Anglican Church $2 000, the Nyamhotsi family $2 600, while the couple’s friends, workmates, other relatives and the business community contributed the remainder.

Christian Care finance officer Mr Osborne Chidenyu made the presentation and appealed to other NGOs and the business communities to help Mollen, saying she was a deserving case.

“If we put our efforts together, we can make a positive difference. As Christian Care, we are really touched by her plight and we feel with the requisite help, she will make it and be a living testimony of philanthropy,” said Mr Chidenyu.

Cde Zivhu, who is the Chivi Rural District Council chairperson, was also processing visas for the three as part of a similar initiative being organised in Masvingo where Mollen’s husband Dickson works.

Mr Zivhu said apart from his gesture, a gala has been slated for October 18 to raise additional funds.

Clr Zivhu said Mollen’s case was not advanced and it was too early to lose hope yet.

“Her plight is so touching and I took the initiative to help through the air tickets as well as processing the visas. I am a provincial father by virtue of being the chairperson of (an amalgamation of) seven rural district councils in Masvingo and as such I must lead by example.

“I cannot let my children die and this should motivate people from Masvingo and Zimbabwe at large to help save lives. I have bought the air tickets, and apart from that, we have organised a gala to raise additional funds required. Our theme is: ‘a dollar can save life’ and we are encouraging Zimbabweans to contribute a dollar towards Mollen’s cause. Can you imagine the impact we can make if each of us could part with just a dollar to assist such needy cases?

“We have no excuse. Each one of use can afford a dollar, so let us mobilise. She has a right to health, and this is time to act and render whatever assistance one can, to rescue this woman. We cannot let her suffer yet we can assist,” said Cllr Zivhu, whose various fundraising initiatives have helped a number of vulnerable people in Masvingo.

The local business communities, those in the Diaspora and NGOs have been challenged to assist.

Last Saturday, Mollen could manage a weak smile and said what she wanted most in her life was to recover from her illness.

Though she admitted that she was going through some pain, she expressed optimism that she would recover if given specialist treatment.

“I can make it. All I want is my health back. I want to appeal for more help, while thanking those that have helped me so far. Thank you very much. Tell them I say thank you,” she said.

She said though, some of her family have so far stood by her, the beginning of assistance has given her the belief that she can be clear of renal complications after receiving specialist care and later on pursue her studies.

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.

Mollen (27) was diagnosed 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.

Mollen first discovered she had problems with her kidney last year following which her condition deteriorated to a point where she now requires haemodialysis.

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 cost around $4 500, while accommodation and food will cost $2 500.

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.