Mutare Boy Writes Exams From Hospital Bed — Begs to Meet First Lady Before He Dies

Adrian Tavonga Gurumbadza, a 13-year-old boy from Mutare, is battling terminal cancer while sitting for his Grade Seven ZIMSEC examinations from a hospital ward.

Diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor in December 2023, Adrian’s condition has worsened, and doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have declared the cancer incurable.

Now receiving palliative care at St Joseph’s Mission Hospital, Adrian’s final wish is to meet the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Despite being bedridden and unable to walk or speak clearly, Adrian insisted on writing his national exams from the hospital, as ZIMSEC regulations prohibit home-based examination.

“I wish I could meet Mai Mnangagwa before I die,” he murmured from his hospital bed, his voice barely audible.

His family says this wish has remained constant throughout his ordeal, alongside his determination to complete his education.

Adrian’s academic resilience has stunned educators.

Although he missed the first and second terms of Grade Six, he still ranked among the top 10 out of 250 pupils at St Joseph’s Primary School by the end of the third term.

“He is a brilliant learner with the potential to achieve six units,” said school authorities.

His father, Wellington Gurumbadza, added,

“At KidzCan, they have a community where he met fellow children with cancer in Zimbabwe. They share online groups, and all relapses and deaths are known there.

“Sadly, all those who developed relapses have passed away.”

The cancer, which initially affected Adrian’s left kidney, was treated through surgery costing US$5,000, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

He briefly recovered, but in August 2025, the disease returned aggressively, spreading to his stomach and bladder.

Doctors recommended Cyclophosphomide tablets to prolong his life, but these are unavailable locally and cost US$45 per 21-day prescription from the Harare Oncology Centre.

The Gurumbadza family has made significant sacrifices to support Adrian’s treatment.

They sold two residential stands acquired in 2015 — Stand Number 3076 belonging to his mother and Stand Number 3078 to his father and a Toyota Camry to cover medical expenses.

Mr Gurumbadza revealed that his net monthly salary is just US$39, and his parents are now homeless, living with relatives in Chikanga Phase Three.

“It has been a stressful journey since my son was diagnosed with cancer. We have had to travel regularly from Mutare to Harare and back for two solid years, relying on Tenda Buses to provide one free ticket per trip,” he said.

Support has come from KidzCan Zimbabwe, which has provided food, accommodation, and medication.

Local schools, including St Joseph’s Primary and Elise Gledhill High, have also organized fundraising events to assist the family.

According to The ManicaPost, Adrian’s story has touched many, and his family hopes his wish to meet the First Lady will be fulfilled soon.

Medical experts have not given a specific timeline for Adrian’s remaining days, saying it depends on his strength and divine will.

“They could not make a judgement, but recommended that he take Cyclophosphomide tablets, which may help him live longer,” Mr Gurumbadza added.

As Adrian continues to fight for each day, his courage and unwavering hope remain a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and a call for compassion from the nation.