Donald’s Healing Journey

In March of 2017, LHS co-founders received an urgent plea from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in Harare, Zimbabwe. These were two of the photographs shared with us:

: Donald before treatment in February, 2016

: The request was simple: Did we think that this patient could be helped?

With the help of specialists from around the world, LHS prepared an overview document on March 3, 2017, which was submitted to the OPC. Within days, LHS Co-founders assembled in Harare and commenced work.

Jason Bowman met with Zimbabwean Vice President Mphoko, along with his Ministers of State and Health at the offices of the OPC in March. Kenneth Dziruni (Donald’s Uncle) brought his dying nephew, Donald, to the meeting. Donald was examined by both the Minister of Health and Mr. Bowman in an OPC boardroom; he was immediately admitted to hospital for treatment under the guidance of Mr. Bowman because no other options existed. The Ministry of Health was directed to supervise treatment and Dr. Moyo of Chitungwiza Central Hospital, the Chair of Zimbabwe’s Traditional Medicine Practitioner’s Council, Dr. Gomo, and his associate Mr. Ndoro were assigned to work with Mr. Bowman. Internal Specialist, Dr. Nyamayaro was assigned to observe and report to the OPC.

27 March, 2017 Update Progress Report to the Minister of Health from LHS

Treatments brought to Harare on 20/03/17 have now been prepared. Jason and Emma attended Chitungwiza Central Hospital on 21/03/17 to visit the patient and to meet the team on the ground. They were warmly welcomed and all key people made time to join a meeting where we were able to introduce ourselves and collaborate on the best way forward. Dr. E. Gomo and Mr A.C. Ndoro accompanied us from the Traditional Medicine Practitioners Council, which was kindly organized by the Ministry of Health. As part of our team, they have been included with each step of the way in respect of our study.

We are thankful to have been allocated an incredible team of health personnel led by Dr. Moyo who have spent time with Donald and already developed a remarkable relationship. We have much to learn from each other, and will take this opportunity to work with the Ministry of Health and medical community in meaningful, symbiotic ways.

On 21/03/17, The patient was introduced to two topical treatments (cannabis-based and aloe vera-based) in addition to frozen cannabis juice cubes for the patient.

On 23/03/17, the patient was introduced to a low carbohydrate, refined sugar-free, cannabinoid-enhanced, vitamin D-rich, high protein dietary schedule, demonstrated, and introduced the application of topical treatments to the patient. Foods will be prepared by kitchen staff and nurses on Ward Three, overseen by Dr. Nyamayaro and Dr. Moyo. A system has been put in place a system to collect and collate data that will be presented to the Minister of Health and the Honourable Vice President. The cannabinoid extract treatment can commence once the CT scan test and eyesight baseline test have been completed early this coming week. Jason continues to visit the patient regularly and has been accompanied by Dr. Gomo.

The treatment will take ninety days; once the treatment has been completed, the patient will then be put on a maintenance regimen. Weekly updates shall be provided each Monday to the respective Ministries.

: Mar 30 2017 – LHS Co-founders Jason Bowman and Jon Cardiff, Donald’s Uncle Kenneth and medical staff at Chitungwiza Central Hospital – Zimbabwe

: Jason Bowman, Dr. W. Nyamayaro and Dr. Gomo discuss Donald’s progress at CCH – April 3 2017

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Donald’s treatment achieved promising early results:

Donald was admitted to CCH by ambulance at age 14 in poor condition, bald, partially blind, and at weight of 23 kg. His scaled skin was discoloured and he was in pain.
He suffered from openly infected malignant tumours and sores on his lips, face, head and tongue.
Within the first 30 days, not only had Donald’s weight doubled; his skin, mouth, vision and overall condition improved remarkably.
Donald responded extraordinarily well to his treatment and began to self-administer.

Supervising CCH Internal Specialist, Dr. W. Nyamayaro outlined Donald’s “overwhelmingly encouraging” progress in an update report issued in April, 2017, to the OPC and Ministry of Health:

RE: DONALD DZIRUNI: XENODERMA PIGMENTATION

Background Information
Xenoderma pigmentation is a rare disorder transmitted in an autosome recessive manner. It is characterized by skin that is extremely sensitive to light (photosensitive skin) with pigment changes and showing tendering to premature aging and malignant tumor development. The defect is in the DNA damaged by UV radiation. No curative medicine exist but management include adequate solar protection by use of sunblocking creams and clothing. The disease carries a poor prognosis with less than 40% of the affected burning beyond 20 years and mean age of skin cancer is 8 years.

Donald was admitted from Parirenyatwa Hospital after having developed a malignant tumor on his lower lip. Most convention treatment modalities had not yielded much positive results. Now he has been started on traditional cannabinoid therapy under the guidance of Jason Bowman which includes the use of some herbal creams, drinks, sprays and special diet amongst other things.

The progress made so far within a month of commencement of the medication is overwhelmingly encouraging. There is early evidence of the tumor shrinking and also an improvement in the state of the skin as a whole.

We hope the young boy’s condition continues to improve and hope to fully achieve the intended goal which is to cure the patient.

Kind regards

Dr W. Nyamayaro

Donald was discharged from CCH hospital in August, 2017 with V.P. Mphoko, the Health Minister, and CCH C.E.O., Dr. Moyo presiding; he returned to Mutare and continued treatment from home for the following three months. Donald’s healing journey would increasing become a story of great public interest.

In November, 2017 sudden changes in government overturned the OPC project respecting Donald. His treatment became at risk. Today, left without access to his diet and medicine, Donald’s vision and skin continue to deteriorate once again.

Today, Donald’s family needs your help in order to continue his treatment. Specialists and those treating him have not abandoned hope, but without funding, Donald can not continue his healing journey.

The Lionz Herbz Society (LHS) now leads a coordinated effort, along with Donald and his family, to help on a long-term basis.