02/02/2026
Charity Appeal to help an 11-Year-Old Zimbabwean Boy Receive Life-Saving Surgery
Fundraising target: US$235,656 – Mayo Clinic, USA
Dear kind well wishers.
We are helping to raise funds for Simbarashe Dande, an 11-year-old boy from rural Murehwa, Zimbabwe, who urgently needs a second, life-saving surgery.
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His GO FUND ME Page page is at
https://gofund.me/6eb7381ba
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ECOCASH MERCHANT DETAILS
*NAME* : Hope For Zimbabwe Children
*INSTRUCTIONS*
*153*2*2*053443*Amount # Dial
Star 153 Star 2 Star 2 Star 053443 Star.
Amount # Dial
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Time is running out for Simbarashe. He is currently in Zimbabwe, living with his mother under extremely difficult circumstances, while battling an aggressive and devastating cancer
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About Simbarashe’s Condition
Simbarashe was diagnosed around 2017 with maxillofacial osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the facial bones. We began fundraising for him in 2019, when he was just 4 years old. Today, he is 11.
He currently presents with a massive tumour involving the entire maxilla, with obliteration of the right lateral nasal wall. The tumour has engulfed his mouth and nostril, leaving him in constant pain, and severely affecting his ability to eat, speak, and breathe.
The relentless growth of the tumour has distorted his face, nose, and eye, and his neck is now swollen. He lives every day in agony.
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Previous Treatment and Challenges
In 2019, Simbarashe underwent his first ablative surgery in South Africa, where part of the tumour was removed. Initially, he showed some improvement. However, the tumour later resurfaced and became even more aggressive, continuing to grow as he grows.
A second surgery in South Africa failed due to reconstructive limitations and poor prognosis in achieving clear surgical margins, following complications during the first operation.
Between 1 April 2019 and 11 July 2019, Simbarashe underwent 7 cycles of chemotherapy, but sadly there was no significant reduction in tumour size. MRI scans continued to confirm a locally aggressive tumour of the right maxilla, causing upper airway obstruction.
As a result, Simbarashe has been dependent on a long-term tracheostomy since 28 February 2019 to help him breathe.
Despite every effort made locally and regionally, his condition continues to worsen. He urgently needs a second, highly specialised surgery, which is not available in Zimbabwe or South Africa.
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Why We Are Fundraising
Simbarashe has been assessed by Mayo Clinic (USA), a world-leading medical institution capable of providing the specialised surgery he desperately needs.
The total estimated cost of treatment is US$235,656, broken down as follows:
Consultation with Dr. Moore – $510
Consultation with Dr. Price – $1,293
Maxillofacial services – $2,256
Maxillectomy surgery – $231,597
Total estimated cost: $235,656
Mayo Clinic requires full payment in advance before treatment can begin. International patients do not qualify for financial assistance, making fundraising the only hope for Simbarashe.
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Family Situation
Simbarashe’s father, Thompson, passed away in 2019, shortly after Simbarashe’s first surgery. His mother, Maria, is now raising him alone and struggles daily to meet his complex medical needs.
Beyond surgery, Simbarashe also needs ongoing support for:
Food and nutrition
Medication and medical supplies
Clothing
School books
Toys and basic childhood needs
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Our Appeal to You
We are humbly asking you to find it in your heart to help save Simbarashe’s life. Any donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to giving this brave young boy a chance to live, breathe, eat, and smile again.
Please support Simbarashe by donating through his JustGiving fundraising page and by sharing this appeal with others.
For more information or alternative donation options, please feel free to contact us.
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Thank you so much for your generosity, compassion, and continued support. Your kindness means more than words can express and will be cherished forever by Simbarashe and his family.
Together, we can give Simbarashe hope and a future.
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For Zimbabwe Children.
Calls and Whatsapp :
077 369 5325 ( Zimbabwe)
07518230600 (UK)
Zimbabwe Update – 01 December 2025 and 03 D… Violet Makunike needs your support for Appeal for us$235 656 cancer stricken 11yrs Simbarashe Dande
