Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Health Reporter
Nineteen-year-old Pretence Marisa has spent her entire life battling aplastic anemia, a rare and debilitating blood disorder that has left her fragile and exhausted.
The condition, which was diagnosed when she was just five years old, has taken its toll on her. Pretence started experiencing extreme nose bleeding when she was still a baby.
It only stopped for a while after she got medical assistance but when she started getting her menstrual periods, the problem resurfaced.
She has been bleeding non-stop since then.
Because of the heavy bleeding, she has had to receive blood transfusions every week at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where she is currently admitted.
But her family can no longer afford buying the blood needed for her transfusions.
Her only hope for survival lies in a bone marrow transplant, which can be done in South Africa or India.
“Aplastic anemia has stolen my childhood and teenage years. I am always in pain and tired. I am asking Zimbabweans to help me. I want to live, study, have friends, and experience life without constant hospital visits and medication,” said Pretence.
Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells. The condition leaves the affected person fatigued and more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.
Studies show that the condition affects between two and five people in every million worldwide and can develop at any age.
Treatment for aplastic anemia might include medications, blood transfusions or a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant.
Pretence’s family has launched a heartfelt appeal for assistance to raise over US$40,000 needed for her to travel to India for the life-saving procedure. The transplant offers her a chance to live a normal life.
The fundraising campaign is expected to cover the costs of an evaluation to find a possible match with a family member, chemotherapy, the bone marrow transplant itself as well as the post-transplant care and medication.
“Pretence’s condition breaks my heart, she has not enjoyed her childhood like other children. However, her resilience inspires me. We are appealing to Zimbabweans to help us raise the money needed for my daughter’s transplant. We have tried everything we can to always raise money for her treatments but now we are struggling. We are grateful for any assistance, no matter how small, to help our daughter live a normal life,” said her father Mr Marko Marisa. Those willing to help Pretence can donate towards her transplant through:
■ Bank transfer:
Marko Marisa; ZB Bank; Acc number- 4151-986 265-405
■ Ecocash: 0776408970
Sheila Dzimbanhete (Pretence’s mother)
daglous masveta
