By TellZim Reporter
A desperate Masvingo woman is appealing for urgent financial assistance to the tune of US$25 000 to send her 13-year-old daughter to India for life-saving treatment after local doctors said they could no longer offer any medical solutions for her rare intestinal condition.
Chantelle Adams said her daughter, Laurah Kayla Adams, had been battling serious gastrointestinal complications for four years, including two rare diseases, intestinal neuronal dysplasia and leiomyopathy, disorders affecting the nerves and muscles of the intestines.
Laurah began suffering from chronic constipation after she had her appendix removed in 2021. Despite multiple medications, tests, and hospital stays, doctors were initially unable to determine the exact cause of her condition.
It was not until August 2024, after a barium enema and a biopsy conducted at St. Anne’s Hospital in Harare, that the family received a diagnosis. But by then, doctors said the diseases had caused irreversible damage to Laurah’s intestines and there was no surgical treatment available in Zimbabwe.
“The doctors told me they can only manage her symptoms. They said all the surgical procedures they had considered earlier were no longer possible because her intestines, colon, and rectum are no longer functional,” said Chantelle.
The family’s last consultation on May 14 with pediatric surgeon confirmed the severity of the situation.
“The doctor said her abdomen was severely distended and she was pale due to blood loss. He confirmed again that no surgery can be done locally, and her condition continues to deteriorate,” said Chantelle.
Chantelle said there was now a 95 percent risk that Laurah’s intestines may rupture. A theatre review by a local doctor in April showed that bowel washouts were no longer effective due to new blockages.
Facing no further options locally, Adams is seeking financial support to take Laurah to India for treatment. She has secured a quotation from an Indian medical facility and has compiled related travel and accommodation expenses.
“I just want to try and give my daughter a fighting chance. She wants to be a surgeon when she grows up. Here, the doctors have given up. But I can’t give up on her too.”
The family is appealing to well-wishers, corporates, and donors to assist in raising the required funds. Supporting documents, including medical reports and cost breakdowns, are available upon request.
She said her finances were drained in the past four year battle with the life threatening illness and said she had been trying to reach out to many for help but nothing materialized.
Adams said she tried to reach the President of Zimbabwe, some business people like Chivhayo and Tagwirei but she couldn’t reach them and her hope was that someone hears her distress call despite others discouraging her to go public with the plea.
She said she will remain undeterred and was willing to do whatever it takes nomatter how uncomfortable it makes her as long as there was little hope.
Anyone willing to help can contact her directly at +263 773 965 277.
Those willing to contribute can send cash via EcoCash on the same number with the name Chantelle Ebrahim or send to her bank Chantelle Ebrahim First Capital Bank, M 50903602526
