Teacher in need of kidney transplant seeks financial help

A 52-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo teacher is appealing for financial assistance to undergo an urgent life-saving kidney transplant in India.

Mrs Isabel Mavengano, who has been battling a chronic kidney ailment for several years, needs immediate medical intervention to improve her quality of life and prevent further health complications.

She has been on peritoneal dialysis for the past three years, a treatment that has kept her condition stable but is not a long-term solution.

Mrs Mavengano is now on haemodialysis after three years of peritoneal dialysis.

Her doctors have recommended a kidney transplant as the best option for her survival and well-being.

The procedure, which is not readily available in Zimbabwe, can be performed in India at a cost of about US$40 000. This amount covers the surgery, post-operative care, travel and accommodation expenses.

Mrs Mavengano who teaches children learning difficulties.

Mrs Mavengano has been on insulin treatment since the age of 16 when she was diagnosed with diabetes.

Due to her ailment, Mrs Mavengano said she has since stopped undertaking some of her daily household chores, among other activities.

“This condition took a toll on me as I couldn’t take as much fluid as I wanted to. My kidney condition has made me prone to anaemia and I have lost the energy,” she said.

“With kidney problems, it meant I had to avoid food high in phosphorus and iodine like choumoellier and sweet potatoes. Peritoneal dialysis meant that I had to have my day properly planned. What if it will not work for me after I’ve taken someone’s kidney or what if the donor gets sick after losing one of their kidneys,” she said.

Despite her efforts to save and seek help from her immediate network, Mrs Mavengano has been unable to raise the necessary funds. She is now turning to the kindness and generosity of the public for support.

“I have always believed in the kindness of people and now, in my time of need, I am hopeful that the community will come together to help me get this life-saving treatment. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring me one step closer to getting the help I need,” she said.

Family and friends are also organising local fundraising events and reaching out to charitable organisations and corporate sponsors for support.

Mrs Mavengano’s friend, Mrs Nomathuli Makwenzi is co-ordinating a fundraising event that will include fun day activities for families at Smokehouse in Bulawayo.

“This will consist of a colour run, a sponsored walk going for US$10, stalls for hire at US$15 and children under 13 years will be required to pay US$5 to participate,” said Mrs Makwenzi.

“In August, we are hoping to have a high tee event at the Holiday Inn in Bulawayo that people can get to attend and more details will be provided in due course.”

Well-wishers can use the following banking details:

Banking details
Richard Mavengano
Account number: 9140004903438
Stanbic Bank Belmont Branch Bulawayo
Cash drop-off points: Chair Crazy
Corner 14th Avenue /Robert Mugabe Way
Bulawayo
Contact person: Charmaine Britten on 0773 453102