He endured an incredibly challenging life, spending 25 years battling a colossal tumor that ravaged his existence. This tumor robbed him of employment opportunities and eventually led to his abandonment by the woman he loved most.
Some speculate that witchcraft might be the cause, while others believe it to be a divine punishment from God. But what led to the severe swelling in the man’s leg? How did society treat him, and how does he manage to survive today in Buguruni, Tanzania?
Mashaka Qasim, now 35 years old, was born healthy in Morogoro. He was a vibrant young boy with big dreams until his life took a tragic turn at the age of 11. In 1998, while playing football with other children, his leg began to swell inexplicably. Alarmed, his peers screamed for help. His parents, still alive, initially dismissed it, hoping it would resolve on its own. However, as the swelling persisted, they sought medical help.
Despite numerous hospital visits and desperate attempts to find a cure, his condition only worsened. Eventually, Qasim managed to secure a job as a conductor, which he held for over a decade. He got married and had a child, but his leg continued to swell, rendering him unable to work. Dependent on his wife, his life took a tragic turn when she left him after just five years of marriage, citing his illness as the reason.
Qasim’s desperate search for treatment led him to an Indian hospital where doctors said he could be treated, but the cost was exorbitant — $7,500. Struggling to afford even daily sustenance, he reached out to friends and family for help but received little support. Now, he copes with excruciating pain and persistent wounds in his leg, fearing it might be cancer.
Despite enduring endless opinions from others — some blaming mosquitoes, others citing witchcraft — Qasim remains resilient. He believes that if God wills it, he will recover; if not, he is prepared for the worst. His responsibilities, including raising his only child and paying rent, weigh heavily on him. Unable to work, he seeks financial assistance for advanced treatment, reaching out to the community for support.
If you wish to contribute and help Qasim access the advanced treatment he desperately needs, please consider donating through the link provided in the description and pinned in the top comments. Thank you for watching. I’m Elijah, and this is Afromax English. Remember to subscribe for more updates.