By Patience Gondo
A 40 year old woman from Manyengavana Suburbs in Beitbridge is appealing for financial assistance to undergo life saving surgery after battling severe fibroids for nearly seven years.
For Melody Bere, the nightmare began in February 2018. What started as a sharp pain in her abdomen at around 3am after work quickly spiraled into a life-altering crisis.
“I remember waking up and I couldn’t speak. I could only cry because the pain was unbearable,” Bere said tears filling her eyes.
“My stomach started growing bigger and bigger and I didn’t understand what was happening to me.”
With little knowledge of her condition and overwhelmed by fear, Bere turned to prophets and traditional healers who repeatedly told her she had been bewitched.
“They told me if I went to the hospital for an operation, I would die,” she said.
“I wasted so much money going from one prophet to another because I was desperate to get better.”
As the years passed, her condition worsened. Her stomach continued to enlarge, she struggled to walk, and even the simplest chores became nearly impossible.
Her menstrual periods became dangerously heavy and prolonge sometimes lasting up to three weeks.
“I have no one to help me,” she said .
“I asked relatives but they couldn’t do anything for me. Maybe if I had a child, things would be different but I don’t. My only child died in 2004.”
Doctors have recently advised her that she needs a surgical operation, but she remains stuck because of financial constraints.
While the full cost of treatment is still being finalized, Bere urgently needs US$300 to secure the theatre booking for the operation.
Fibroids are non cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus are common among women of reproductive age. While some remain harmless and unnoticed, others can cause severe pain, prolonged menstrual bleeding, fertility challenges, and significant abdominal swelling.
The exact cause is unknown, but factors such as hormonal imbalance and genetics are believed to play major roles.
In Melody’s case, the condition has robbed her of her livelihood, mobility and dignity.
“Sometimes I can’t even go to work or walk properly. I live in pain every day,” she said.
“All I want is to get better to live a normal life again.”
Bere is now making a public plea for well wishers across Zimbabwe to help her secure the funds needed for the operation.
“I am begging anyone who can help me. Even a small amount can save my life,” she said.
“I just want this pain to end.”
Those willing to assist can contact her directly on 078 333 1011.