Mariannridge philanthropist needs help to fight cancer

SHE is known to the Mariannridge community as Auntie Sharon, a woman with a heart of gold.

Sharon Harvey, who has been feeding the hungry, helping the elderly and clothing the needy for more than a decade, now needs the community to help her raise funds for her cancer treatment.Sharon was diagnosed with cancer of the tonsils five years ago and started chemo and radiation therapy at the Albert Luthuli Hospital three years ago with the cancer getting worse and made a decision to seek private medical attention.

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“I started to get better, the treatment was working until I got to a point when I couldn’t afford the treatment,” she said.

Tonsil cancer can cause difficulty swallowing and a sensation that something is caught in your throat. Tonsil cancer is often only diagnosed when the cancer has already spread to nearby areas such as the tongue and lymph nodes.

According to Sharon, her medical aid only covers 75 per cent of the medical treatment and the rest she must fork out of her own pocket. Since she is retired, she can barely raise the R24 000 needed every three weeks.

For two months, Sharon failed to pay her part of the medical treatment and her health has deteriorated back to square one. Two weeks ago she had to have an emergency surgery to install a breathing tube in her throat.

“I was healthy and was responding well to the treatment and all that changed a month ago. I couldn’t breath and eat properly, so lost weight and my doctor rushed me to hospital,” the emotional Sharon shared.

Even while undergoing treatment, she never stopped helping her community.

Local pastor, Henry Blignaut said Sharon is a caring and amazing woman.

“She has done remarkable work in providing for the less fortunate in the community. Her efforts go from hosting Christmas parties to providing school uniforms, shoes and stationery for the children in the Mariannridge community,” said Pastor Blignaut.

Months ago Sharon and her family started a Back-a-Buddy fund that has raised R75 000 and will help pay for all the months she has missed payments.

To find out more and to assist Sharon, contact her on 078 317 6896.

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