South African gospel singer Fikile Mlomo is appealing for funds as she has to go for spinal cord surgery as she is now a wheelchair user.
Serius Trial To Her Faith As Gospel Singer Uses A Wheelchair
Forty-two-year-old years old, Fikile has been facing health challenges, culminating in her recent diagnosis of a spinal cord tumour. This unexpected turn has led to her reliance on a wheelchair for movement.
Previously healthy and full of energy, the Ngicela Inkozo singer’s health took a sudden downturn when she woke up one morning with pain in her back and found herself unable to walk. After weeks of using a wheelchair and undergoing various medical tests, she received the diagnosis of a spinal cord tumour.
Cleveland Clinic defines a spinal cord tumour as “an abnormal growth (mass) of cells within or surrounding your spinal cord and spinal column.” It is caused by exposure to cancer-causing chemicals or substances or by cancer that forms elsewhere in the body and spreads (metastasised) to the spine.
People with spinal cord tumours experience numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in their legs, arms or chest. Their muscles also get weak in the legs, arms or chest. They may also experience paralysis. The extent and location of the paralysis can vary depending on which nerves the tumour is putting pressure on.
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Gospel Musician Fikile Mlolo Appeals For Help For Surgery
Facing significant medical expenses, Fikile has turned to her gospel music community for support. Close friends like singer Thinah Zungu and philanthropist BI Phakathi have rallied behind her, spearheading efforts to raise funds for her surgery. Thinah Zungu is organising a crowdfunding event with the aim of collecting R50,000 or more to cover Fikile’s medical expenses.
The musician, who was in the hospital on her birthday and Easter holidays, remains upbeat she will be back to making music.
Fikile confirmed to Zimoja:
“Thinah Zungu and BI Phakathi have been leading the campaign to help raise funds for my medical care. I believe God is faithful and will see me through this. Donations are also welcome. I am still blessed with my voice and will use it to worship despite any outcome or what may happen. But I have faith.”