Clock ticks for woman facing paralysis
Friends of cancer patient appeal to public for lifesaving funding
AT only 29 years of age, Jean Vinki Ntuli is fighting for her life while her family and friends are desperately trying to raise the necessary funds for radiation therapy to halt her fast-looming paralysis.
The Richards Bay mother of two young children was last year diagnosed with Clival Chordoma – an aggressive, intrusive brain tumour growing by the day.
Since January she has suffered frequent stints of paralysis of her limbs and severe headaches.
Owing to the sheer size of the growth, even radical surgery cannot remove the tumour.
Radiotherapy is now her only option to survive the devastating cancer.
A sympathetic Richards Bay doctor, who asked to remain anonymous, has stepped forward to treat her pro bono, but the cost of the radiation amounts to R43 000.
Ntuli’s friend, Michelle Smith, said they can only depend on the generosity of compassionate community members.
‘It is overwhelming when one faces the reality that without funding, our friend will not be able to survive.
‘Albert Luthuli Hospital said Ntuli’s tumour is inoperable and it cannot even be resected owing to the nature and size of it.
‘She urgently needs to receive the radiation therapy to shrink it before it paralyses her.
‘If only 287 people in our community could find it in their hears to donate R150 it will cover the total cost of the treatment.
‘This is the power of support for a family member who has no other options.’
Despite her battle, Ntuli remains positive and thankful.
‘Some people I know and some I don’t know from all races across the country are praying for me and assisting financially so that my kids will have something to eat and wear.
‘I cannot thank them enough.’
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