A HARARE family has sent an SOS seeking funds to foot medical bills for their 17-year-old daughter, who is admitted to a local hospital battling a cancer ailment.
Ruvarashe Vaola Chimbwanda was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, cancer of the muscles, in December last year.
Her health has continued to deteriorate since then.
The illness started with lumps emerging on her body for almost a week, but her parents had no money for medical check-up.
Ruvarashe, who was at school in Goromonzi where she lived with her parents, is admitted to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals battling the life-threatening disease.
In an interview with NewsDay, Ruvarashe’s mother Sarah Dzingirayi (42) said her life had never been easy since her daughter was diagnosed with cancer.
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“It is hard for me as a mother. My daughter is in dire need of help. Close relatives have assisted to the extent that they can no longer help as they have already emptied their wallets,” she said.
“My husband and I have already used the little we had for scans and ambulance fees.”
She said the hospital was charging at least US$4 000 for the treatment.
“The hospital is asking for US$1 660 doctor’s fee and US$2 330 for radiotherapy,” she said.
“I am heartily asking anyone who can help with money for Ruvarashe’s treatment to contact me on 0779 152 723 or 0714 892 499.
“The bank details are: First Capital Bank, account number 1280 1528 071.”
Medical reports shared by Ruvarashe’s parents showed that the disease is spreading.
“Ruvarashe has rhabdomyosarcoma and symptoms of spinal cord compression. She still has reduced power, reflexes and muscle spasm in the lower limbs,” one medical report read.
“There are numerous huge nodes in the neck, the largest 6,9x5,2cm.
“There is a tumour in the left pleural space, extending anteriorly and engulfing the descending aorta.”