Woman labelled ‘living grave’ by in-laws seeks financial assistance to remove growth that has disfigured her face

A 20-YEAR-OLD woman from Bulawayo’s Old Magwegwe suburb is appealing for help to raise US$200 for a vital neck mass biopsy operation.
Ms Blessing Mawadze has been suffering from a left-sided facial mass for the past five years, which has gradually increased to a size that covers most of her face.

The mass has affected her life profoundly, leading to the breakdown of her marriage and resulting in her being left to care for her 10-month-old baby alone.
Blessing’s father, Mr Tongai Mawadze, has been her primary support since her husband abandoned her in June this year, reportedly due to pressure from his sisters who labelled her ‘a living grave.’
“I called her back home when her husband left her. His sisters kept calling her names and abandoning her. I’ve tried my best to assist her, but I can no longer afford the costs associated with her medical treatment, as I am no longer working,” he said.

The clinical diagnosis indicates that the facial mass is firm, non-tender, and non-pulsatile, with a recent microscopic examination revealing significant abnormalities.
“It started as a small pimple, and we thought it was nothing serious. We used traditional remedies, which I suspect made it worse. We should have sought medical advice sooner,” Mr Mawadze recounted, reflecting on their initial responses to the growth.
Despite their efforts to secure medical treatment at local hospitals, Blessing and her father were referred to Karanda Hospital in Mount Darwin, where they made multiple visits.

Although they managed to cover some costs, they now urgently need funds for transportation and additional expenses associated with the procedure.
“We were advised at the hospital that I need to accompany her along with another female relative for the operation,” Mr Mawadze said.

Those wishing to help Blessing Mawande can contact Mr Tongai Mawadze at 0777139996 or 0783423239.
Any contribution, no matter how small, could make a significant difference in Blessing’s life and give her a chance at recovery.