3.PROFESSOR: 6 YEARS

Professor, a 6-year-old boy from Zimbabwe, suffered from retinoblastoma, an aggressive form of eye cancer, which left his face severely affected. His parents, Mashoko and Divine, live in extreme poverty in a squatter camp in Epworth, relying on handouts and small income from selling firewood and doing odd jobs. They had to sell their livestock and household items to fund Professor’s medical care, but despite their efforts, they could not afford basic treatments, like a US$10 drug to ease his pain.

Professor’s condition began with a cataract in his right eye when he was two years old. His parents initially tried traditional remedies and sought help from prophets, but the tumor grew worse, eventually causing his head and face to rot. Despite undergoing chemotherapy at different hospitals, including Masvingo Morgenster and Parirenyatwa in Harare, the family faced neglect and inadequate resources. At one point, Professor’s right eye was removed in a questionable surgery that left him unconscious for days. Due to no further treatment available in Zimbabwe, Hope for Zimbabwe Children (HFZC) arranged for Professor and his father to travel to South Africa in search of better medical help. In South Africa, he was assessed and discharged with a prescription for palliative care, as nothing more could be done. Tragically, upon returning to Zimbabwe, Professor passed away shortly after arriving home. HFZC provided financial assistance for travel and medical expenses, but the situation highlighted the dire state of healthcare for cancer-stricken children in Zimbabwe, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.

Professor’s story underscores the severe challenges faced by many children with cancer in Zimbabwe, where medical infrastructure and resources are lacking, and forcing families to seek help across borders in desperate attempts to save their children’s lives. The story highlights the profound challenges that families dealing with serious illnesses often encounter, especially in under-resourced regions. Despite the efforts of Hope for Zimbabwe Children (HFZC) to provide support, it is heartbreaking to see that we were unable to secure the necessary medical care in time. Professor’s journey illustrates the often painful intersection of medical need, financial hardship, and limited resources. The family’s determination to seek help through various means, including traditional medicine and consultations with prophets, speaks to their desperation and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is clear that Professor’s family did everything they could to provide for him, and this situation brings to light the need for more robust healthcare systems in underserved areas, as well as greater access to financial support for families in similar situations. The loss of a young child to cancer is a devastating reality that many families face, and it underscores the importance of ongoing support and advocacy for children’s health care access.

His battle with retinoblastoma and the hardships faced by his family underscore the urgent need for better medical resources and support systems for families dealing with such serious health challenges. The lack of access to effective treatment and the burden placed on families in financially strained situations only compounds the tragedy of illnesses like cancer. Organizations like Hope for Zimbabwe Children (HFZC) play a critical role in providing assistance, advocacy, and resources to those in need, but unfortunately, they often face significant challenges themselves. The story of Professor illustrates the consequences of inadequate healthcare infrastructure, especially for vulnerable populations. His story serves as a call to action for better healthcare policies and more robust systems to support children and families facing similar battles against serious illnesses.