Help Archimedes Beat Cancer

Hi, we are Chris and Tatenda, the parents of Archimedes.

Our son, Archimedes, is 11 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a cancer which affects the upper nasal cavity, putting pressure on the sinuses and causing severe nosebleeds and spreading down to the neck putting pressure on the jaw and causing neck and jaw pain. His jaw barely opens and that limits his eating and speech. Because of the position of the tumour, he is also limited as to the type of food he can eat. Chewing puts pressure on the tumour which results in bleeding from the nose - which at times is severe.

The diagnosis came after two months of our boy suffering from nosebleeds that went from occasional to severe and life-threatening almost overnight. We rushed him to the hospital in the early hours of the morning on two occasions. On each occasion, his Hb levels had dropped as low as 5.4. At both times he was admitted to the Hospital. The ENT Specialists requested a CT Scan, which alerted them of a fast-growing mass on his face and neck. A biopsy was done and a diagnosis of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma was made. Further staging tests and CT Scan showed the cancer to be Stage 3.

Archimedes’ journey will not be easy. He has just had his first round of chemotherapy which had to be started urgently for the tumour to shrink a bit and slow down the life-threatening nosebleeds. There are many more rounds ahead. Radiation is also part of his treatment plan and he is scheduled to go in for tests to start as soon as possible. There are many unknowns on this journey. We don't know the damage the cancer has done to his jaw, which might require corrective surgery.

Contributions to this fund will go towards hospital and treatment fees, and travel back and forth from the hospital. The financial burden surrounding this horrible illness is vast and many of the costs are unforeseen until you're living it. Any amount you can give, whether financial or through prayer and well wishes, is incredibly appreciated.