Teen girl with cancer appeals for help

A FAMILY in Hwange is appealing for cash amounting to $2 000 to enable a 15-year-old girl believed to be suffering from cancer to undergo medical tests at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.

The girl, Shalom Nyoni, has swollen wounds on her arm and forehead and this has affected her right eye, forcing it to close.

Her stomach is swelling too. The cause of the wounds is not known. The wounds started in 2014 but she was not taken to hospital because of her late mother's church beliefs.

Ms Trinity Chipembere, a Good Samaritan saw the need to help Shalom after her mother died last year. Her father, Mr Peddy Nyoni is a security guard at a coal mining concern.

"I am not related to Shalom but I realised the need to take care of her because we are from the same community and her parents were not taking her to the hospital for treatment," said Ms Chipembere.

"I was able to take Shalom to the hospital this year after her mother's death and I funded our first trip to Harare where we only managed to do a few tests because I did not have enough money to do all the required medical examinations for the full diagnosis."

She said the father now sees the need for medication because of her daughter's condition.

"My daughter is really suffering. The situation is not good but my biggest problem is that I do not have money to take her to hospital and to proceed with the medical tests that are required. The situation is really getting out of hand and it is more like cancer and it is spreading in her body," said Mr Nyoni.

Ms Chipembere said the girl's father cannot afford to pay for the treatment. Shalom is no longer attending school because of her health condition.

"I wrote letters to some organisations appealing for help but they have not responded yet. I am appealing to individuals, organisations, community and Government to assist us in cash or in kind towards saving Shalom's life. Blessed is the hand that giveth than the one that receiveth," Ms Chipembere said.

She said they had so far received $100 from an individual. Those willing to assist can contact Ms Chipembere on 0779 869 235.