Chiedza's Medical Fund For Stage III Colon Cancer

Here is a message from her friends who are spearheading the campaign in Zimbabwe:

"Many of us know and love Chiedza/Marlene for the commitment she has made to social change throughout her young life. She has helped many in different spheres as a national student activist, a sports and education development worker, an Atlas Fellow in Washington DC, a DJ at various events, and a committed participant in the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe.

Now, as friends and family, I hope we can also turn to help Chiedza in her time of need. After falling ill, Chiedza was recently unexpectedly diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in Zimbabwe. She needs urgent help to raise funds to cover her scans, chemotherapy, imported drugs and other cancer treatment costs.

The public medical system in Zimbabwe is in a state of crisis, leaving her with only the option to seek care from private hospitals, which her medical insurance does not cover. Chiedza's doctors have estimated the costs of the treatment she urgently requires to be the equivalent of US$9, 500.00. A fundraising campaign, spearheaded by friends and her church in Zimbabwe, is raising some of the funds locally, in Zimbabwe dollars, but given hyperinflation, we hope to be able to raise the majority of it through this fund.

There is urgent need to raise these funds quickly as Chiedza needs to start her chemotherapy treatment immediately as per the recommendations of her oncologist and consulting specialists.

Many of us have been touched by Chiedza and her life in different ways; let us now touch her life too and help her to recover from this heartless disease."