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THE Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association (ZAHA) fundraising initiative last week raised $3 000 for Mollen Makoni-Nyamhotsi to be flown to India for a kidney transplant. The money was raised through a music gala and was over and above air tickets for three worth $4 400 pledged by ZAHA director, Mr Killer Zivhu.
At least $25 000 is needed for the patient to undergo a kidney transplant operation in India. Nyamhotsi, who comes from Rusape, is a student at Great Zimbabwe University.
The patient’s husband, Mr Dickson Nyamhotsi, this week revealed that cash at their disposal was now around $9 000.
“We have received $2 740 from ZAHA, which they raised from their fundraising initiative over the weekend. This money will go a long way in getting Mollen’s health back. In the meanwhile, we are trying to collect all pledges made at different fundraisings by the end of the month,” said Mr Nyamhotsi.
He said those willing to assist can deposit their money in the Fact Rusape Account Number 8700271510500, Standard Chartered Bank, Rusape Branch.
“You can also channel your contributions towards the Save Molly Campaign via Ecocash, our biller code for the campaign is 75659. The account number is the same as the Biller Code,” said Mr Nyamhotsi.
Mr Zivhu maintained his appeal to Zimbabweans to help the patient before the situation deteriorates into a mortal threat.
Mr Zivhu said already a key donation has been made by a kidney donor and all that was left was to raise the remainder of the balance to realise the dream.
Mr Zivhu, who is the Chivi Rural District Council chairperson, also appealed to the local business communities, those in the Diaspora, schools, institutions of higher learning and NGOs to assist Mollen.
“We really have to move fast as Zimbabweans so that the kidney transplant is done on time and before the kidney donor changes her mind. If she changes her mind it will be a disaster,” said Mr Zivhu.
“As humans, we fall sick, and we should be there for each other. It is Mollen today, and who knows who it will be tomorrow? So why can’t we unite for a good cause?
“Having a heart does not necessarily mean having money. There is already a person who has made a supreme commitment to donate a kidney and we cannot put value to that, so let us pool our resources to raise the required amount,” added Mr Zivhu.
Mollen’s sister Tendai, donated a kidney and tests have confirmed her as a suitable donor.
FACT Rusape executive director Mr Portipher Guta, who is co-ordinating the fundraising campaign, said another fundraising was slated for Gweru this weekend. He also urged those from the Rusape community who made pledges three weeks ago to honour them by the end of this month.
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.
The fundraisers can also be contacted on +263 772806974.
Online Reporter