News / Local
Bulawayo girl (11) seeks funds to undergo heart surgery
23 Dec 2011 at 19:36hrs | Views
A BULAWAYO Girl, Thubelihle (11) is seeking assistance of R50 000 undergo heart surgery in South Africa. Thubelihle is suffering from rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
Her mother Mrs Sinikiwe Sibanda told a local newspaper that her daughter has difficulties in participating in sporting activities at school because of the heart ailment.
"The doctors told me that the disease had damaged two valves in her heart and she needs surgery to replace them and that can only be done in South Africa," said Sibanda.
RHD is a heart damage caused by rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever: If left untreated, rheumatic fever can result in serious complications, including scarring of the heart's valves and this condition is called rheumatic heart disease. The disease can be caused by recurring rheumatic fever which can lead to scar tissue and abnormal changes in myocardium (heart muscle). This results in compromising the heart function to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
She said Thubelihle was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 when she was eight years, but the disease got worse early this year.
"All this time her condition was normal until she fell on her chest, that is when she started getting worse, maybe the accident might have damaged her valves," said Sibanda.
She said she hoped to take Thubelihle to South Africa for the surgery in January next year.
"If all goes well given the support of well-wishers, I hope to take her to South Africa in January so that she makes it to school on time.
"I wish the surgery becomes a reality so that my daughter also enjoys her childhood like all other children," said Sibanda.
She said she was struggling to raise Thubelihle's medical fees, as she was a widow and the family's sole breadwinner.
"The actual fee for the surgery is 50 000 rand, but I might need more than that for hospital charges and her medication. I hope I will receive assistance because there is no way I can raise that kind of money by myself," said Sibanda.
She said well-wishers can deposit any amount in her ZB bank account number 4307385231200 or reach her on her mobile numbers 0772 994 274 and 0776 172 512.
"I will appreciate all the support I will receive for my daughter to receive medical attention," said Mrs Sibanda.
Her mother Mrs Sinikiwe Sibanda told a local newspaper that her daughter has difficulties in participating in sporting activities at school because of the heart ailment.
"The doctors told me that the disease had damaged two valves in her heart and she needs surgery to replace them and that can only be done in South Africa," said Sibanda.
RHD is a heart damage caused by rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever: If left untreated, rheumatic fever can result in serious complications, including scarring of the heart's valves and this condition is called rheumatic heart disease. The disease can be caused by recurring rheumatic fever which can lead to scar tissue and abnormal changes in myocardium (heart muscle). This results in compromising the heart function to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
She said Thubelihle was diagnosed with the disease in 2008 when she was eight years, but the disease got worse early this year.
"All this time her condition was normal until she fell on her chest, that is when she started getting worse, maybe the accident might have damaged her valves," said Sibanda.
She said she hoped to take Thubelihle to South Africa for the surgery in January next year.
"If all goes well given the support of well-wishers, I hope to take her to South Africa in January so that she makes it to school on time.
"I wish the surgery becomes a reality so that my daughter also enjoys her childhood like all other children," said Sibanda.
She said she was struggling to raise Thubelihle's medical fees, as she was a widow and the family's sole breadwinner.
"The actual fee for the surgery is 50 000 rand, but I might need more than that for hospital charges and her medication. I hope I will receive assistance because there is no way I can raise that kind of money by myself," said Sibanda.
She said well-wishers can deposit any amount in her ZB bank account number 4307385231200 or reach her on her mobile numbers 0772 994 274 and 0776 172 512.
"I will appreciate all the support I will receive for my daughter to receive medical attention," said Mrs Sibanda.
Source - Byo24News
