By Fanuel Chinowaita
Blessed Zimunya (Before and After amputation)
Sakubva – Nineteen-year-old cancer survivor Blessed Zimunya has expressed profound gratitude to the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme (PEMS) following the successful amputation of his deformed hand on Thursday.
Diagnosed with cancer at the age of 14, Blessed faced numerous challenges. His condition caused severe physical pain and forced him to drop out of school, as he was unable to write. With his family unable to afford treatment, he remained in a state of limbo for several years.
A turning point came during a medical outreach conducted by Discovery Ambulance Services at Beit Hall in Sakubva on January 11 this year. During the event, Blessed was identified as a beneficiary of the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme, which ultimately led to the much-needed surgical intervention.
David Munowenyu, founder and CEO of Discovery Ambulance Services, expressed his relief at being able to assist Blessed.
“This case exemplifies the impact of our medical outreach programs on the community,” he said. “We identified Blessed during our outreach, and we are grateful to have been able to help him. Having suffered from this illness for so long, we thank God for his healing.”
Looking ahead, Munowenyu emphasized the importance of rehabilitation for Blessed, noting that the next step would involve training him to adapt to his new condition.
In a heartfelt message, Blessed shared his feelings of relief:
“I have been freed from the pain that has burdened me for many years. I am immensely grateful to President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa for the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme, and to Mr. Munowenyu for facilitating this successful operation. They have given me new hope and illuminated my life.”
As Blessed embarks on his journey of recovery, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the impact of accessible healthcare initiatives such as the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme.