By Daniel Mckenzie | Executive Director
“It was tough explaining to the bus drivers and fellow travellers, who had no idea of my cancer condition,” said an ecstatic Charmaine*.
At the age of ten, while doing grade seven, beautiful Charmaine was diagnosed with Leukaemia. It was not an easy journey as she had to make trips from Victoria Falls, 874.7 km to Harare, Parirenyatwa Hospital, the centre of excellence in childhood cancer treatment.
Little Charmaine found herself with the onerous task of shuttling between Victoria Falls and Harare for treatment, a demanding task as she would catch a late afternoon bus to Harare and arrive early in Harare in time for her chemo cycle which normally takes up to 6 hours.
She would be done by sunset, early enough to catch the same bus and travel back home overnight.
This cannot be easy when you look at chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue, vomiting or diarrhoea, that come with it, especially to an unconcerned public.
Thanks to KidzCan Zimbabwe who held her hands along the way, she has, after five arduous years gone into remission and only comes for a check-up once a year in case of a relapse.
On June 24, 2023, Charmaine attended her first Survivors’ celebration with us at a ceremony with 24 others whose lives were saved in an environment that has a high mortality rate due to lack of awareness and few resources.
“I want to thank KidzCan for helping with medication and blood products. I owe my life to them as my family would not have afforded the expenses that come with cancer,” said a jovial Charmaine.
Cancer-free Charmaine is now doing her O’ levels and looks forward to scoring big as the disruptive years of treatment are now in the past.
She has grown into a big girl with a bright future whose beaming face restores hope, indicating it is possible to beat cancer and live a normal life again.
*not her real name.
Thank you as always to All our donors on GlobalGiving, its with your help that we have been able to support Charmaine through her cancer journey and overcome the battle. It is only when we all come together to help make a difference that we win. No donation is ever to small or too large. Cancr does not wait, ore children can succed and be conquerors of cancer, with your help.
Every child suffering from cancer and is registered with KidzCan continues to receive support free of charge, These services include, bus fres, admission packs, diagnostic testing, chemotherapy , nutritional support and psychosocial support. Thanks to the GlobalGiving communtiy
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