Donald and his aunt Helen
TellZim Reporter
09 April 2017, MUTARE – Guardians of a 14-year-old orphaned boy who suffers from pigmentosa are appealing for financial assistance to have him treated.
Pigmentosa is an eye defect which changes how the retina responds to light, making it hard to see and people with the condition lose their vision slowly over time.
The boy, Donald Dziruni, stays with his blind aunt, his paralysed grandmother and an uncle in Fairbridge Park.
Donald’s aunt Helen Dziruni said the boy had dropped out of Baring Primary School due to his condition.
“We started staying with him in 2006 after the death of his parents. This problem started when he was three-years old after he developed a rash which degenerated into sores on his head and lips.
“He was taken to hospital and the doctors conducted tests but it took time before they could make a diagnosis. At first they recommended medicated soaps and betadine but that didn’t work. We have spent much trying to seek treatment,” she said.
Helen said that they struggled to get a place for grade one because of his condition.
“If we had money, we would take him to specialists or outside the country for treatment,” she said.
Theresa Dziruni, the grandmother, said she was depressed by the boy’s condition.
“It pains me to have Donnie here while others of his age are at school. We have visited many hospitals and churches but there is no change,” said Theresa.
The teenager said he was hopeful one day he will be well and continue with school.
“I am in pain. I no longer go to school and I am now partially blind but I want to continue with my education. I want to be a nurse or an engineer,” said Donald.local, health
