Salvation Army helps conjoined twins from Zimbabwe

Tinashe and Tinotenda were delivered at The Salvation Army’s Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe in July by Dr Rachel Spitzer, a Toronto obstetrician serving there for three months as a volunteer through the Canadian Jewish Humanitarian and Relief Committee, Ve'ahavta. The twin boys were born joined at the abdomen. It was determined that The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in Toronto would be best equipped to help the twins as it has both medical expertise and funding to cover the medical expenses through the Herbie Fund.

Dr Paul Thistle, Toronto-trained chief medical officer at the Howard Hospital and lay member of The Salvation Army, alerted The Salvation Army in Canada to the birth of the twins and their need for help. In response The Salvation Army agreed to cover the cost of flights and provide practical support to the family during its stay in Toronto in partnership with the host organisation, Ve'ahavta, which has supported the Howard Hospital for many years.

Tinashe and Tinotenda arrived at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (Sick Kids) early in December, accompanied by their mother and their nurse, Grace. Over the next few weeks, a team of specialists led by Dr Jack Langer, Chief of General Surgery at Sick Kids, will evaluate the twins’ medical condition and determine a treatment plan. Their medical expenses are being paid by the Herbie Fund of Sick Kids.

The Salvation Army is glad to be able to help Tinashe, Tinotenda and their mother in partnership with Sick Kids, Ve'ahavta and other community groups, and prays that through this medical intervention Tinashe and Tinotenda will be given the chance to lead the full and productive lives that might otherwise have been denied them.