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Peter Tanyanyiwa : Arts Correspondent

A number of artistes will come together in a fund-raising concert to assist a cancer patient. The concert will be held on Saturday at Zimbabwe-Germany Society and will feature artistes like Blessing Chimanga, Cynthia Mare, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Batsirai Chigama, Masa Caroleen, Chromatic Ensemble, Antigravity Dance Crew and Big Smile.Titled “Together we Can”, the concert is a Big Smile Project initiative in partnership with the Italian Embassy and the Zimbabwe-Germany Society.

It seeks to raise funds to help 23-year-old Tapiwa Sachiti who needs an urgent surgery after she was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer known as Osteoblastoma in May 2015.

Tapiwa who is a Psychology second year student at Women’s University in Africa started feeling sharp pains on her upper left knee in 2014 but dismissed the pain for a sport injury.

The pain got worse in February 2015.

Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana

In May 2015 X-rays were done and they indicated that Tapiwa had a growth on her upper knee bone. In October 2015 she had a biopsy done and showed she had Osteosarcoma and it was concluded that it would not spread fast. Tapiwa decided to finish her college semester then have the operation done locally.

After the semester Tapiwa’s doctor then advised on the need for new X-rays to be done.

Batsirai Chigama

The new X-rays showed that her bone had been affected and the growth had grown bigger and the cancer was spreading fast. In February 2016 a second biopsy was done and samples were sent to South Africa. The results from South Africa indicated that the cancer was moving up her thigh and she required immediate surgery.

The Big Smile Project representative Chido Murinda said the concert is set to raise funds so that Tapiwa can travel to India as soon as possible to undergo the required surgery.

“Money raised at the concert, from well-wishers, Tapiwa’s church, family and friends is expected to cover air fare, medical bills, accommodation and her upkeep in India.

“The concert will be hosted by Lizzy D and will be held at the Zimbabwe Germany Society ZGS,” said Murinda.

“Entry into the concert will be a donation of any amount from $2. Cash donations towards Tapiwa treatment are most welcome and can be deposited in Tapiwa’s CBZ Bank account (68561325780015) or Ecocash number: 078 5 605 945.”