The Sunday Mail
Emmanuel Kafe
The Herald intern, Praise Bvumbamera, who is battling cancer, is responding well to treatment but requires additional financial support to continue chemotherapy.
On Friday, the 23-year-old completed her second chemotherapy session at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after the first session a fortnight ago resulted in complications that required surgery.
She needs at least US$5 000 to cover the remaining three sessions.
Doctors suspect she has intestinal obstruction.
Praise’s mother, Mrs Selina Bvumbamera, told The Sunday Mail, “She was to undergo the second stage of chemotherapy when they discovered that she had intestinal obstruction. The situation was made worse when the doctors concentrated on the ovarian cysts before they discovered that there was a hormone that was cancerous. Any amount that people wish to assist with will be greatly appreciated.”
Corrective surgery for the intestinal obstruction was carried out at Harare Central Hospital, and Praise recovered before last week’s chemotherapy session.
Praise said: “They said the hormone is still high and I have to start chemotherapy as early as possible. Probably I have to start (Mondayt).”
The Midlands State University student requires almost two pints of blood (US$600-US$700) each time she undergoes chemotherapy.
Her father said US$5 000 was needed for blood transfusion, drugs and other essentials.
When The Sunday Mail visited their home in Marondera last week, Praise was recovering and walked without support.
“As soon as I recover, I want to complete my industrial attachment and fulfill my aspirations in life. This has been a setback, but I have faith that one day, I will be well again,” she said.
Praise’s problem started when she experience stomach aches that saw her vomit and stomach swell. She became poorly, and was transferred from Marondera General Hospital to Harare Central Hospital and doctors discovered she had cancer.
Praise is pursuing an Honours degree in English and Communication Studies.
Well-wishers can send money through her father Mr Phanuel Bvumbamera’s Ecocash account +263773401057, or contact The Herald Managing Editor Victoria Ruzvidzo on +263772129972.
