My Story:

My beloved mum, Tenjiwe Mlilo, a 66-year-old mother and grandmother, received devastating news. What was first believed to be a simple ulcer has been diagnosed as metastatic lung cancer, which has already spread.

Her health declined rapidly, leaving her unable to swallow and dependent on a feeding tube while awaiting vital test results before treatment can begin. She fell critically ill while visiting me in Abu Dhabi and is unable to return home to Zimbabwe. We are grateful that she is surrounded by family and compassionate medical teams who acted swiftly to save her life.

As a family, we have already covered over $8,000 in medical costs, but we urgently need help to continue. Mum now requires financial support for further tests, cancer treatment, ongoing care, and a visa extension so she can remain in Abu Dhabi for treatment.

Back home, Mum has always been the pillar of her family—raising her grandchildren after the loss of my sister and supporting many others with love and wisdom. She has spent her life caring for others. Now, she needs our help to keep fighting.

Urgent help required immediately:

We’re thankful to share that Mum is responding well to her medication and continues to attend regular reviews with her oncologist. A recent barium swallow test shows some reduction in the tumour—encouraging progress, though not yet enough to remove the NG tube. Please see the attached photo of the smile of love and gratitude she is sending to you all.

We have decided to set our funding goal based on Mum’s current needs and will continue to adjust it as further needs arise. The funds raised so far as can be seen on the target calculator have been used to meet all of Mum’s treatment and medication costs to date. These funds have now been fully exhausted, and we are urgently appealing for your support to help us raise the money needed for the removal of Mum’s NG tube, insertion of an oesophageal stent immediately and her next two-month supply of medication, due at the end of January 2026.

Mum has had the NG tube for approximately three months, which is longer than usual and it has begun to irritate and weaken her oesophagus. Her doctor is now recommending the insertion of an oesophageal stent as soon as possible. This procedure is time-sensitive and will allow her to swallow through her mouth again.

Cost breakdown:

Oesophageal stent: £2,600

Medication (2 months): £1,035.11

We kindly ask that you give what you can today and help us reach this goal as quickly as possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings Mum one step closer to relief and recovery. If you are unable to give at this time, please consider sharing the link within your networks—this support is just as valuable.

Thank you for standing with us during this difficult journey. Your kindness and generosity mean more than we can express.