By Zim GBC News Staff
MASVINGO – A Gutu grandmother is making an urgent public appeal for US$80 to cover transport and accommodation costs for her seven-year-old grandson’s essential eye surgery in Harare.
Rhoda Tsvangirai, who is unemployed and also cares for her elderly father, told Zim GBC News that her grandson Kupakwashe Mashati was born with glaucoma in both eyes and is scheduled to receive free surgery on his right eye at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
“We are appealing for US$80 to cover transport and accommodation costs,” Tsvangirai said.
“Kupakwashe constantly misses school because the pain is unbearable. I am not employed and struggling to look after both him and my elderly father.”
Kupakwashe, a Grade One pupil at Mundondo Primary School in Gutu, has been unable to attend classes for several months due to severe eye pain. His education is currently supported by the Social Development Department through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), as his parents are absent from his life.
Tsvangirai also revealed she struggles to afford Kupakwashe’s ongoing medication, Timolol eye drops, which cost US$3. The planned surgery offers hope for the young boy’s condition, but the family lacks the means to reach the hospital in the capital.
Well-wishers can contact Rhoda Tsvangirai directly on 0776 677 690 to assist with transportation costs or medication expenses.
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