In a small town in Tanzania, the story of Mashaka Qasim is one that has both puzzled and inspired the community. Mashaka, now 35 years old, was born a healthy child with big dreams and aspirations. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he was just 11 years old.
At that age, while Mashaka was in primary six in 1998, a normal day of playing football with his friends turned into a life-changing moment. His leg began to swell, and the young boy was shocked when he noticed the sudden change. His parents, initially thinking it wasn’t a significant issue, took him to various hospitals, churches, and even traditional healers, searching for a cure. Unfortunately, none of these efforts seemed to help, and Mashaka’s leg continued to swell.
Despite his condition, Mashaka’s determination led him to become a conductor, a job he managed for more than a decade. He worked tirelessly to provide for himself, even as his leg continued to grow larger. He got married and started a family, but his wife couldn’t handle the financial and emotional burden of his health condition. After five years of marriage, she left him, leaving behind their vows of “only death can part us.”
Intriguingly, the reason for their separation was Mashaka’s leg illness, which had grown progressively worse. Mashaka was left devastated and struggling to make a living. He had hoped for a miracle, but it never came.
Mashaka’s ex-wife eventually remarried, and to his sorrow, she still lives nearby, becoming a mere friend. Mashaka has never remarried, given his health issues and the associated challenges.
When seeking medical advice, Mashaka learned that his treatment would be impossible in Tanzania, and he would require advanced treatment abroad, specifically in India. The estimated cost for his treatment was a daunting $7500, which was an overwhelming amount for him to afford, as he struggled to afford even daily meals.
While he reached out to friends, family, and local organizations for financial assistance, the response was minimal, and he found himself desperate. The constant pain in his leg made walking and sleeping difficult, and he resorted to using painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.
As time passed, the leg developed sores, increasing Mashaka’s fears of possible cancer. The uncertainty of his condition has chipped away at his hope over the years. He has encountered various opinions on the cause of his illness, ranging from witchcraft to divine punishment, with some even suggesting that it resulted from a mosquito bite.
Despite the challenges, Mashaka remains strong and resolute in his pursuit of treatment and healing. He doesn’t let the negative comments or speculations deter him. Mashaka’s story is one of resilience, unwavering determination, and the hope that someday he will find the medical care he desperately needs to overcome his lifelong battle with the giant leg tumor.
