Seeking funds for crucial surgery

A YOUNG Angolan woman arrived in Namibia two weeks ago, seeking treatment for a cancerous tumour growing out of her forehead.

Anastacia Macosso (25) was advised by doctors in Angola to seek specialised treatment outside that country. Accompanied by her brother, Gabriel Macosso, the two left their hometown Cabinda in the north of Angola with just enough money to pay for their trip and their stay in Namibia as well as the consultation costs of the only private neurosurgeon in the country.Gabriel told The Namibian that according to doctors, his sister should have the tumour removed within two months, failure of which may be fatal.After learning that the procedure would amount to approximately N$170 000, money they didn’t have, the siblings, who only speak Portuguese, were about to give up until members of their church, The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Central Society, learnt of their plight.A little over N$2 000 was raised among church members, who then realised it would take a greater effort to assist Anastacia.The youth groups within the church decided to approach the media to appeal for funds.”We have no choice, we don’t want our sister and friend to perish in front of our eyes,” said Albertina Bongue, an Angolan student living in Namibia.The groups also plan to host small fundraising projects to speed up the process.Choir singer Argentina da Silva said: “We know it’s a lot of money to ask from people, but we really need the help.If we raise more money than is needed, we will give the rest back to another cause.”Anyone willing to assist can deposit money into The Methodist Church account: Nedbank, Independence Avenue, Branch no.103872, Account no.103111420.Enquiries can be directed to Rev.Edgar Lueken at 081 2343 975; (061) 228 921 or central@iway.naAccompanied by her brother, Gabriel Macosso, the two left their hometown Cabinda in the north of Angola with just enough money to pay for their trip and their stay in Namibia as well as the consultation costs of the only private neurosurgeon in the country.Gabriel told The Namibian that according to doctors, his sister should have the tumour removed within two months, failure of which may be fatal.After learning that the procedure would amount to approximately N$170 000, money they didn’t have, the siblings, who only speak Portuguese, were about to give up until members of their church, The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Central Society, learnt of their plight.A little over N$2 000 was raised among church members, who then realised it would take a greater effort to assist Anastacia.The youth groups within the church decided to approach the media to appeal for funds.”We have no choice, we don’t want our sister and friend to perish in front of our eyes,” said Albertina Bongue, an Angolan student living in Namibia.The groups also plan to host small fundraising projects to speed up the process.Choir singer Argentina da Silva said: “We know it’s a lot of money to ask from people, but we really need the help.If we raise more money than is needed, we will give the rest back to another cause.”Anyone willing to assist can deposit money into The Methodist Church account: Nedbank, Independence Avenue, Branch no.103872, Account no.103111420.Enquiries can be directed to Rev.Edgar Lueken at 081 2343 975; (061) 228 921 or central@iway.na