THE 18-year-old Mutare girl given months to live after growing a cancerous tumour in her mouth is to return home after undergoing life-saving surgery in the United Kingdom.
Taremeredzwa Nomatter Mapungwana has been discharged by doctors but will return to London early next year for reconstructive surgery and jaw realignment.
On Sunday, well-wishers and campaigners plan a farewell party for her and mum, Thandiwe, after almost five months in the UK.
Nomatter’s tale of suffering touched Zimbabweans around the world who raised close to £12,000 for the operation within two weeks.
She flew to the UK in October last year after Air Zimbabwe donated two return tickets.
On Thursday, Nomatter’s mother told of her joy at her recovery from the operation carried out by Professor Iain Hutchison, an expert in facial reconstruction. Hutchison waived his fee which would have pushed up the cost of the operation.
“I am very relieved, really happy with the present situation. She can close her mouth, greet people and eat. Physically, she is fit, a series of tests were conducted and they found nothing wrong with any part of her body except the mouth which had been deformed by the tumor,” Thandiwe told New Zimbabwe.com.
She said she was “proud” of national airline Air Zimbabwe for offering to fly them to London and back at no cost.
“Their gesture was particularly important because people didn’t know where to start with helping us, but once Air Zimbabwe took care of the flight situation, given Tare’s special needs, everything fell into place.
“We will also be forever grateful to all the people around the world who prayed for us, and those whose donations mate this possible. May they continue to do good to others, and I pray God will bless everything they have and their families.”
Nomatter was a bright A’ Level student at St David’s Girls High School in Mutare until she was struck down by the aggressive tumor, which disfigured her facial bones.
She was breathing with the aid of a tube connected to her throat, and described eating as a “nightmare”.
Now Nomatter, whose dream is to become a doctor, aims to return to school and write her A’ Level exams in Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
Her mother said: “She’s looking forward to it. She wants to use the coming year to conclude her studies, and we are both keen on writing a book about this experience.”
During the operation, Nomatter lost some of her bones in the mouth which had been displaced by the tumour as well as most of her teeth. Doctors say they expect the bones to regrow, which would allow them to re-align her jaw as well as fit dental implants.
Betty Makoni of the Girl Child Network which looked after Nomatter and her mum, said the pair would leave the UK on Thursday next week with a year’s supply of medication and supervision directions.
If you wish to attend Nomatter’s farewell party it starts at 2PM on Sunday at the Beckton Community Centre, 14 East Ham, Manorway, Beckton, London, E6 5NG. Well wishers can also contact her mum Thandiwe on +447508286549