The Sunday Mail
Time is running out for nine-month-old Baby Manqoba Mabhena, daughter to Shamiso Yikoniko and Lawson Mabhena, who was born with a condition called biliary atresia which was diagnosed when she was five months old.
To correct the condition, the baby has to undergo a liver transplant in India by the end of this month, at the latest.
On Thursday, she was admitted into hospital as her stomach was swelling, fluids had to be drained.
The baby’s parents are grateful to the generous response that the nation has had towards its plea for help to raise money to afford Baby Manqoba the liver transplant.
Surgeons cannot perform corrective surgery on her because her liver is already showing signs of significant liver damage, with the only option being a liver transplant.
It has been indicated that her liver can fail at any time, hence the need to have the operation by the end of the month, at the latest.
By the time of going to print, First Mutual Limited Medical Aid Society had availed $10 000 towards the baby’s surgical needs, Zimpapers (1980) Ltd donated $2 000, the Mabhena family $500, Sakhile Khumalo Association (a stokvel in Bulawayo) $400, and various donations coming through the electronic money transfers adding up to $400, GoFundMe $162 (£125) and the Fund4Crowd $10.
Biliary atresia is a life-threatening condition and performing corrective surgery after 120 days of life is unhelpful. The condition is a relatively rare disease that begins in early infancy and affects one in every 10 000 to 20 000 infants.
Symptoms such as swollen abdomen, weight loss, itching, muscle loss, loss of appetite, easy bruising, low energy and weakness, characterise Manqoba’s life.
“Every day I try to put up a brave face, wear a smile but my heart is aching. My child’s illness is emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially draining,” said Manqoba’s mother, Shamiso, last week.
Yesterday, the Bulawayo community took part in a sponsored walk for Manqoba that was organised by Bulawayo journalists. The walk was from Large City Hall to Hillside Dam, were there was free entertainment by Bulawayo-based artists.
All funds raised from the walk will be donated to Baby Manqoba’s cause.
“Over and above the generous financial donations from across the social divide, we would also like to express our gratitude to Bulawayo artistes who wrote a song for Manqoba and to Ingwe Studios for recording of the song,” added Manqoba’s father, Lawson.
The family has extended its sincere gratitude to Oliver Keith, Nceku, organisers of the recently held Intwasa Arts Festival and several other individuals who have found it in their hearts to donate for this cause as well as spread the word across social networks.
Other ways to contribute or assist Manqoba in getting a new lease of life are:
i. Contribute online via GoFundMe under the fundraising campaign titled “New Liver for Baby Manqoba”
ii. Or visit the Fund4Crowd online page under the campaign titled “Plea for Help: New Liver for Baby Manqoba”
iii. Mobile money transfers can be sent to Shamiso Yikoniko on +263 772 935 224
iv. Or deposit/transfer into the following banking details:
Name: Shamiso Yikoniko
Bank: FBC Bank
Branch: FBC Centre
Account Number: 3070070770125
