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IF the wish of Mrs Agnes Mangoro, the mother of the Siamese twins who were successfully separated by a team of local doctors, were granted, her boys, Tapuwanashe and Kupakwashe, would one day become successful surgeons.Mrs Mangoro believes nudging the twins towards medicine as they grow is the only way to express gratitude to a nation that stood by her family through trying times.
Describing them as special, the 25-year-old mother said the children were destined for greatness.
“The only way my boys will give back to the nation is by becoming surgeons themselves who will help children born with similar conditions,” said Mrs Mangoro, smiling warmly.
“The doctors told me their condition was rare. To me, the success of that operation points to a great future for them.”
Last week, Zimbabwe made history after local surgeons separated the 10-week-old babies. The operation was the first to be carried out without help from foreign experts.
Mrs Mangoro, her husband, Mr Moses Chitiyo, and the nation were naturally elated after the surgery set the boys on a pedestal, ready to experience normal life.
Mrs Mangoro, in a chat with our Harare Bureau, said events unfolded like a dream. She quickly pointed out, though, that the road to this joyous moment was hardly smooth. “From the early days of the pregnancy, I always experienced complications. The doctor told me I was carrying twins. I had problems with my right leg; that problem still persists. When I gave birth, I was tired and did not notice the boys were joined from the lower chest to the upper abdomen. When I woke up the following day, I was shocked and horrified.”
The twins were subsequently transferred from Murehwa District Hospital to Harare Central Hospital where it was determined they should be separated.
Trepidation flooded their mother’s mind.
She was nervous, yet hoping for the best.
The operation took what seemed like eternity to her.
“The doctors gave us periodic updates. When we learnt they had opened the stomach and separated the boys, my heart sank. I nearly broke down. I thought it would be end of story.”
However, anxiety and anguish quickly turned into joy when news of the successful operation was announced.
“I have never been that happy in my entire life. I did not know whether to cry, laugh or sing. The feeling can never be replicated. I urge fellow women never to abandon their babies if they are born with disabilities. God has the solutions to our daily problems.”
To top it all, the historic operation was a blessing in disguise as Mrs Mangoro’s long-held wish to meet President Mugabe was fulfilled. She described First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, who donated baby products to the twins, as a “sweet and kind mother”.
At this rate, who knows?
Her next wish could see the boys indeed become successful surgeons.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter