Family seeks $15 000 for son's heart operation

A family from Lusulu in Binga is appealing for help to raise $15 000 to take their two-year-old son for a heart surgery in India.

The boy - Obey Muleya was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease, pulmonary vessel plethora when he was three months old, his father Mr Malaki Muleya said.

Mr Muleya, a security guard in Victoria Falls, said his son is struggling to speak or feed on his own and can't walk as his feet are always swollen and weak. Doctors have recommended that he goes for an operation in India.

"I'm appealing for help to take my son for a heart surgery in India. We have taken him to different doctors and at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo they told us to look for $15 000 to take him to India for a heart surgery. I don't have that kind of money and I am appealing to well-wishers to help us so that I can save my son," said Mr Muleya.

He said his son was diagnosed when he was three months old. "We got to know of his condition three months after his birth because he had difficulties in breathing. Each time he would breathe the rib cage would swell while his backbone would also bend outwards," said Mr Muleya.

He said at first the family suspected their son had a fontanelle problem (inkanda).

"We consulted doctors who initially thought he had blocked nostrils and chest problems. It was only after a scan that they told us he has a heart problem. They said the heart is bigger on one side and has a hole on the blood vessels linking it to the lungs," said Mr Muleya, a father of three.

He said his son's feet sometimes get swollen and he becomes weak hence he can't stand on his own or walk.

"He doesn't eat on his own anymore and we have to feed him very light food like porridge. He can't hold anything or stand on his own. At Mpilo they said to bring the money and they will take us to Harare to prepare for the journey to India. Those willing to help can get in touch with me on 0713489699 or 0773408982 or deposit money on Barclays Bank Account 1020073, Victoria Falls Branch."

The boy is admitted to Lusulu Clinic.