I am sitting in the corridors of Parirenyatwa Hospital, consoling Tete va Patrick. We have just lost another child to Fanconi Anaemia.
Patrick is gone.
We buried Wayne just a few weeks ago a gallant fighter who fought bravely until the end. Beside me are Mai Tawanda and Mai Vanessa. Like me, they are mothers of children living with Fanconi Anaemia. We know this pain. We know the fear. We know what it means to sit beside your child, watching their blood counts fall and wondering whether they will make it through the night.
And then Mai Tawanda asked the question that shattered me:
“WHO IS NEXT?”
Who is next?
I don't know.
And that is what frightens me the most.
Six children with Fanconi Anaemia currently need lifesaving bone marrow transplants that cost $50 000 for each child. Six children whose only real chance at a future is a transplant that is simply beyond the financial reach of their families. But right now, we are fighting an even more immediate battle: Keeping them alive long enough to get there. These children need blood. They need platelets. The National Blood Services of Zimbabwe has blood, and we are grateful for that. But in the past week, our children have had to purchase blood, and the cost has become unbearable. One pint of blood is costing US$240 and a pint of platelets is $240. For these families, that is not just expensive. It is impossible. And when these children cannot access the blood they need, they bleed. From their mouths. In their urine. In their stools. They vomit blood.
Imagine watching your child bleed and knowing that what could keep them alive is simply beyond your means. Vanessa is fighting for her life right now. She needs two pints of blood and one pack of platelets.
And sadly The Nate Foundation has reached a point where we have no resources left. Usually Eddie and I support these families with our personal resources but right now we have nothing.
I am not writing this as someone standing outside this crisis.
I am in it.
I am a mother in this fight too. I sit with Mai Tawanda. I sit with Mai Vanessa. We comfort each other because we understand a pain that is almost impossible to explain to someone who has never lived it.
And yet, we keep losing children.
Wayne.
Patrick.
And we are terrified of hearing another name. I feel helpless. I feel broken. But I cannot sit quietly. Because these children deserve a chance to live. They deserve to grow up. They deserve to go to school, to laugh, to dream, to become who they were meant to be. They deserve more than a hospital bed and a funeral. So I am asking you, please help us.
We urgently need assistance with blood, platelets and medical costs.
And ultimately, six children need lifesaving bone marrow transplants.
We cannot do this alone.
If you can donate, please donate. If you can help with blood or platelets, please help. If you are a company, organisation, philanthropist, medical professional or anyone with the ability to make a difference, please step forward. And if you cannot give financially, please share this message.
Share it widely. Send it to your WhatsApp groups. Tag people who can help. Get this message to anyone who might be able to save a life.
Because somewhere out there may be the person who can change the outcome for one of these children.
Six children.
Six families.
Six lives hanging in the balance.
And Mai Tawanda's question keeps echoing in these hospital corridors:
“WHO IS NEXT?”
Please Contact +263772 432 689 to donate or for more information.
Last month we took a picture at Doves where we had gone to support Mai Wayne after the loss of Wayne, we stood there 5 mothers, all with children who have Fanconi Anemia. Our hearts heavy......
#WhoIsNext #FanconiAnaemia #SaveOurChildren #BoneMarrowTransplant #DonateBlood #SaveALife #Zimbabwe
Source: Sylvia Mushonga Sanyanga, Facebook
PLEASE SHARE🙏🏾 | 36-year-old, Sharon Nyika needs your help. In 2024, she was diagnosed with lupus nephritis, a condition where her immune system mistakenly attacked her kidneys, eventually leading to complete kidney failure.
Today, Sharon’s life depends on dialysis three times every week which cost US$100 per session. While dialysis is keeping her alive, it is only a temporary lifeline. In an incredible act of love, courage, and sacrifice, Sharon’s mother, Francisca has stepped forward to become her donor, giving her the chance of a healthier future.
The transplant is planned at Medglobal Access, Hyderabad, India, where Sharon and her mother will undergo the necessary evaluations, surgery, and post-operative care required for this life-changing procedure.
Now we need your help to make this life-saving transplant possible. The funds raised will go directly towards:
- The kidney transplant surgery for both Sharon and her mother
- Pre-operative testing, medical assessments, and specialist evaluations
- Post-transplant immunosuppressant medication, which Sharon will need for the rest of her life
- Recovery costs, accommodation, and support while both Sharon and her mother are unable to work during their healing process
We believe in the kindness and generosity of a supportive community. Every donation, no matter how small, will bring Sharon one step closer to receiving the gift of life.
If you are unable to contribute financially, we kindly ask that you share this message with your family, friends, and networks. Your support could help reach someone who can make a life-changing difference.
1. Ecocash Francisca Nyika (send message for phone number)
2. FBC Bank USD Account 3540174980001 Francisca Nyika
3. Zig Account 3040174980169 Francisca Nyika
Donate
4. GoFundMe link available below!
I want to marry into a functional family that has cookouts and holiday dinners. I want to be able to go for breakfast with my mother-in-law, go shopping with his sisters (if he has any). I don’t want a “it’s just me & my man” kind of life. Nah, I want a family-oriented life.
Everybody gets to that stage in life where no one needs to force you to serve God. You will look for Him yourself. That moment when you realize life is deeply spiritual and a lot of things are not ordinary.
This time last year, I was praying for most of the things I have today. Everything was so different, a lot changed, and I’m blessed to experience the changes and blessings.
Today, the 'low oil' light appeared on my way to fetch my kids from school. The car was losing power, so I decided to go the nearest garage (Total Garage in Ramsgate). Once the oil was replaced, I was unable to move the car because the gears weren't catching. I explained to the attendants that we were new to the area with no one to assist me with fetching my kids, which had to be done immediately. This amazing petrol attendant, Clement, without any thought, asked me if I could drive a manual. Before I knew it, he parked his car next to me with the keys in the ignition and continued work as normal.
I managed to fetch my kids on time. I'm so thankful he trusted me with his prized possession without knowing my name or driving abilities. When I returned, he allowed me to drop my kids off at home, and for my husband to return with his car. Clement organized a tow truck and someone to fix the car. He was truly my knight in shining armor! I pray God will bless him beyond measure."
Credit: Laine Herman
“you really cut people off that easily?” not easily. there was usually a meeting, several warning signs, a period of denial, and an extensive review of the evidence. by the time i disappear, the board has already voted.
“Can I call you”
At 10pm? No please . I know where this is going. You will call me at night, we’ll talk for hours, I’ll get comfortable, start catching feelings, then one day you’ll tell me you’re busy and the calls will reduce. Meanwhile….you weren’t busy when you were trying to get me attached. Don’t call me sir😭
Update your partner always. It's not a rule, It's a love language. Your partner shouldn't guess where you are. They shouldn't wonder what you're doing. Updating them is not control. It's love. It says, "You matter. I want you to know.