A 13-year-old Nettleton Junior School learner, Shalom Onoja, is in a desperate race against time as her family appeals for R50 000 needed for life-saving surgery in South Africa to treat a rare and aggressive bone cancer.
Her ordeal began innocently a bump against a hard object, followed by nagging knee pain.
What seemed like a minor incident soon turned into a frightening medical nightmare as her knee began to swell, prompting urgent hospital tests.
Doctors later confirmed every parent’s worst fear: bone cancer.
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Shalom was first taken to India, where specialists recommended surgery, but the hospital later increased the required cost, forcing the family to seek help elsewhere.
She was transferred to South Africa, where she is currently admitted and awaiting the operation.
According to The Herald, the South African medical team quoted R50 000 for the surgery an amount far beyond the means of her struggling parents.
Shalom’s family is now appealing to well-wishers, corporates and anyone moved by her story to help give the young learner a fighting chance.
Those who wish to assist may contact her mother, Ndakadashe Shumba, on WhatsApp at +263 783 896 440 or via call at +27 603 044 582.
Donations can be sent through Ecocash, E-Wallet, Mukuru or World Remit.
