Help Save the Life of a Devoted Teacher, Father, and Community Pillar
My name is Collins, and I am organizing this fundraiser from the United States to help my uncle, Mr. Gelvado Tapiwa Manjengwa, a 46-year-old primary school teacher from Harare, Zimbabwe, whose life now depends on urgent heart surgery he cannot afford.
Image: Mr Gelvado with his students on a heritage school trip
For 19 years, Mr. Manjengwa has faithfully served as a primary school teacher, shaping young minds and serving his community with humility and dedication. To his students, he is a mentor and role model. To his family, he is a loving husband and a devoted father to 3 children — 6 dependents in total.
Today, this man who has spent his life serving others is fighting for his own life. He was diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in 1994. Over the years, the disease has progressively damaged his heart valves. Despite worsening symptoms, he continued teaching and supporting his family, often pushing through pain and exhaustion because others depended on him. His condition has now reached a critical and life-threatening stage.
In his own words, he describes what daily life has become:
“Rheumatic Heart Disease is a difficult condition to live with. It makes every task feel mammoth. Most of the time, I lack the energy to do even simple things such as taking a bath. I rely on my wife and children for tasks I should be able to do myself.”
“I am beginning to see myself as a burden to my family. My condition has affected them emotionally because they see me putting on a hopeless face as my health continues to decline.”
The Impact on His Teaching and Students
To Mr Manjengwa Teaching is not just job — it is his identity. Sadly, his illness has taken that away from him piece by piece.
“At school, my superiors now avoid giving me heavy duties. In class, I rely on my learners to help with tasks I should be doing myself. Carrying exercise books, walking to the toilet, or standing for long periods has become a serious challenge.”
“Sometimes I become so physically stressed that I fail to properly deliver lessons. This has directly affected teaching and learning in my classroom.”
For a man who has dedicated nearly two decades to education, this loss of independence has been heartbreaking.
The Only Lifesaving Affordable Option: Urgent Heart Surgery in India
Specialist doctors have confirmed that Mr. Manjengwa urgently requires Double Valve Replacement Surgery (Mitral and Aortic Valves). Without this surgery, his condition will continue to deteriorate and place his life at serious risk.
After medical reports review, Max Healthcare, India, has recommended surgery and post-operative recovery under specialist cardiac care.
Hospital: Max Healthcare
Country of treatment: India
Surgery required: Mitral & Aortic Valve Replacement
Target timeframe: March 2026
Total expected stay in India: 45 days (including recovery and monitoring)
Doctors have clearly indicated that delaying this surgery could be fatal.
Confirmed Medical Costs (Max Healthcare – India)
Based on the official quotation received from Max Healthcare:
- Pre-surgery consultation & diagnostics: USD 800
- Double valve replacement surgery: USD 14,000
- Post-operative care, medication & consumables: USD 1,200
Total Medical Cost: USD 16,000 (quotations available)
Full and Transparent Cost Breakdown
We believe in complete transparency. Below is the full breakdown of all expected costs required for treatment, travel, and recovery.
Medical Costs
- Surgery, hospital stay & medical care: USD 16,000
Travel Costs (Patient + Spouse / Caregiver)
- Round-trip airfare (Harare ⇄ India) for 2 people: USD 3,200
- Indian visa fees for 2 people: USD 300
Travel Subtotal: USD 3,500
Accommodation, Transport & Recovery (45 Days)
- Total Accommodation (2 people): USD 2,250
- Local transport, hospital visits & transfers: USD 400
- Food & basic daily needs for patient and wife: USD 700
Subtotal: USD 3,350
Contingency & Medical Buffer USD 1,500
TOTAL USD 24,350
Fundraising Goal: USD 24,500
How the Funds Will Be Managed
All funds raised will be received and managed by me in the United States and paid directly to Max Healthcare and related service providers (hospital, accommodation, and travel). Donors will receive regular updates, confirmations, and receipts, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
What Recovery Would Mean
A successful surgery would mean:
- A father returning home to his children
- A husband regaining dignity and independence
- A passionate teacher returning to the classroom
- A family spared from an unimaginable loss
It would mean life restored, hope renewed, and a second chance to fully serve with fulfillment. Above all, it would mean life with loved ones, friends, and family.
Please Help Save His Life
We humbly ask you to:
- Donate, if you are able
- Share this campaign widely
- Keep Mr. Manjengwa and his family in your prayers
No amount is too small. Every contribution and every share brings us closer to saving the life of a man who has spent nearly two decades giving to others.
Image: Mr Gelvado, grandmother, dependents & wife
From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for your compassion and generosity.