The Sunday Mail
Shamiso Yikoniko
Baby Manqoba Mabhena has an infectious toothless smile and a captivating giggle – but that’s what most people first notice when they meet her.
Her distinctive yellow eyes draw strangers to often ask the question, “What’s wrong with her eyes?”
Having turned nine months yesterday, Manqoba was born with a condition called biliary atresia, diagnosed when she was five months old.
Then, surgeons couldn’t perform any corrective surgery because the liver was showing signs of significant damage, leaving the only option being a liver transplant. And the sad story is that her liver can fail to function any time from now.
The doctors explained to me that biliary atresia is life-threatening if uncorrected.
And performing corrective surgery after 120 days of life makes it unhelpful. According to health experts, biliary atresia is a relatively rare disease that begins in early infancy and affects one in every 10 000 to 20 000 infants.
However, the cause of biliary atresia is not known, it is not contagious, and it is not believed to be related to genetics.
In biliary atresia, the bile duct that leads from the liver to the intestine becomes damaged preventing bile from leaving the liver. In the early stages the bile duct outside the liver is mainly affected, but in later stages bile ducts inside the liver are also damaged.
This can lead to build up of bile in the liver which can be harmful to the liver.
Symptoms such as swollen abdomen, weight loss, itching, muscle loss, loss of appetite, easy bruising, low energy and weakness, among an array of symptoms, characterises Manqoba’s life.
To an observer, this can all seem overwhelming. Honestly, it can be overwhelming, but it has become my normal routine, to be in and out of hospital. Raising a child with a chronic illness isn’t easy.
It definitely isn’t easy!
As a mother I experience varied emotions — conflicting emotions pull my heart in different directions. Any mother hates seeing her child ill, I wish I could wave a wand to instantly heal her tiny body or take her place to free her from the discomfort.
Every day I try to put up a brave face, wear a smile but my heart is always aching. My child’s illness is emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially draining.
Manqoba has to undergo a liver transplant at SPS Hospital in India within a month to save her life. And the required amount is $43 000. I, therefore, appeal to individuals, corporates, charity organisations, churches to assist Manqoba get a new lease of life.
You can get in touch with me on +263772935224 or deposit any amount to the below banking details:
Name: Shamiso Yikoniko
Bank: FBC Bank
Branch: FBC Centre
Account Number: 3070070770125
