19-year-old Vusimusi Mubika is a Zimbabwean national who has fallen through the cracks while seeking medical attention for a cancer diagnosis; two South African women have united to help the young man.
South Africa (12 July 2021) – Dominique Demetriades and Caitlin Aadnesgaard heard the story of Vusimusi Mubika, who goes by Vusi, and were moved to help him.
For the last 18 months, Vusi has been suffering from cancer in his mouth that has gradually gotten worse. He has a very aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his mouth. The skin cancer is not usually fatal and can be treated if found early enough. But left to its own devises, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications.
When Vusi first noticed the little sore in his mouth, he saught out medical attention. He was prescribed everything from Panado to an anti-psychotic. Eventually, he was diagnosed with cancer.
“An appointment was made for Vusi to see Prof. Gumede on the 8th of March. CTs were done and metastasis was confirmed. From there they were sent to Plastic Surgeons and ENT’s, all having a different opinion. Surgery was ruled out due to the size of the tumour which by now is preventing him from eating.
Vusi has seen specialists at Charlotte Maxeke, Baragwanath, and Steve Biko hospital. He has had 8 teeth removed for radiation treatments which have not materialised as promised.
He ended up having one chemo session and was told the second would be scheduled for 14 days later. He is still awaiting an MRI scan. He is still waiting for the 2nd chemo appointment almost 4 weeks later.
Now Vusi has lost sight in his left eye, hearing in his left ear as well as suffering terrible headaches and pain in his upper spine. There is no one leading the treatment plan.
This cancer that is normally not deadly has become deadly as this has now been given almost 18 months to grow. I am pleading to raise funds so that Vusi can pay for treatment and transport. He needs the opportunity to get proper treatment and attention for what could have been something to easily treat.” – Dominique Demetriades
Neither Dominique Demetriades or Caitlin Aadnesgaard knew Vusi before hearing his story, but since then, they have hoped to change his life!
“He has been sent from pillar to post, all the while the cancer has 18 months to grow and now he can’t even eat. He either needs a specialist to take the reins, but we are trying to raise R1million to pay for private health care so that whoever he is assigned to, sticks with the plan. Or ultimately we would like an expert in the field to take it on.” – Caitlin Aadnesgaard
The ladies launched a crowdfund to help raise the funds needed to boost Vusi’s treatment plan and to secure a specialist that will make sure he gets everything he need to survive this. If you would like to support Vusi, you can do so via BackaBuddy here.
Dominique and Caitlin have already raised over R17,000 towards the treatment for Vusi. There is hope for this young man!