Zee Molefe, respiratory physiologist at Merlin Park Hospital, has launched a fundraiser as she shared that her beloved sister, Normalizo, is facing “the fight of her life”.
Zee, who has previously worked as a healthcare assistant in Galway as well, says she is “desperately” trying to get Normalizo into private medical care due to long waiting times for treatment in South Africa.
With a fundraising target of €10,000 (approximately R200,000), the money raised will go towards chemotherapy, surgery and the necessary follow-up radiotherapy.
The GoFundMe page reads: “Many of you know me as Zee, currently working as a respiratory physiologist in Merlin Park hospital, Galway, Ireland. Some of you may know me as a health care assistant from my previous employments here in Galway.
“Every day, I care for patients and see the importance of timely, high-quality medical intervention. Today, I am writing to you because my own sister, Nomalizo, is facing the fight of her life.
Zee and her sister Normalizo
“Lizo has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer back home in South Africa. To give her the best possible chance of survival and a full recovery, I am desperately trying to get her into private medical care.
“In South Africa, the public health system faces massive backlogs, and waiting months for surgery or chemotherapy is a risk we simply cannot take. Private treatment offers immediate action, but it comes with a high price tag that our family cannot meet alone.
“Because I am fundraising here in Ireland, every Euro donated goes a long way in South Africa.
“Our goal is €10,000 (approximately R200,000). This will cover her surgery, a full course of private chemotherapy, and the necessary follow-up radiation therapy.
“As a healthcare worker, I know how much of a difference “time” makes in a cancer diagnosis. Your support—whether a donation or simply sharing this link—means the world to me and my family across the ocean.
“Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your generosity.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.