A 58-year-old woman from Bulawayo`s Mpopoma suburb is appealing for financial assistance to undergo cancer treatment in Harare.
Kelitha Phonela was diagnosed with Kaposi Sarcoma in 2012 and seeking for US$325 to undergo radiotherapy treatment.
Kaposi Sarcoma is cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels, it usually appears as tumors on the skin or on mucosal surfaces.
She was supposed to start treatment in February but failed to raise the money to pay for the services.
“I have managed to undergo chemotherapy more than 13 times at Mpilo Hospital, and I was set to go to Harare for radiotherapy but due to financial constraints I have not managed to do it,” she told CITE.
“The $325 was meant to cover even the medical supplies, but I failed to raise it.
Phonela said she risks losing both her legs as the cancer is now at an advanced stage.
“I am also seeking ZW$252.50 to do the debriding processes as they usually take some patches from my body to patch certain areas in my legs, both legs are affected, they had also suggested that since I can not raise the money they are going to cut my leg.
“This sickness has affected my life as I am now bedridden, I cannot do anything for myself. I can’t bath myself, even if I want to seat outside for some time, I have to call someone to assist me,” she narrated her ordeal.
“I do not have any children but I have been staying with my sister’s child who is only 16 years. I have been taking care of her since she was young after her mother passing on. It is hard to raise school fees for her so she at times skips school due to lack of funds.”
She said she has been given up to 7 October to raise money to pay for her lodgings or face eviction.
“I have failed to pay rentals for two months so we have been given up to 7 October to raise it or leave the premises,” she revealed.
However, her cry for help was partly answered after members of the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) donated some money and groceries to her on Tuesday.
“We are appealing to all communities, medical doctors and different organisations to help people with cancer especially as it is breast cancer awareness month,” said MRP national chairperson Mqondisi Ndebele.
The donation included some of the prescribed medication, ZWL$350 to cover rentals for the past months and groceries.
Those willing to help Phonela can get in touch with her on 0713 677 433 or 0782 452 277.
