Ashan is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with six children; five of them married, and one who is a secondary school student. Ashan lives with his wife, their last born child and four grandchildren. To support his family, he cultivates maize and beans, and also rears domestic animals like goats and chicken. Three months ago, Ashan started experiencing trouble with urination and bowel movements. He decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where a catheter was placed. The solution worked for some time but later on, he started experiencing pain at the catheter site, and it became increasingly difficult for him to walk long distances and engage in his farming activities. He went back to the hospital where he was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate. Surgery was recommended, but Ashan could not afford the cost of the procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Ashan receive treatment. On April 16th, Ashan will undergo a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. The surgery will help treat his condition and improve his quality of life after recovery. Ashan and his family are able to contribute $87 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Ashan says,” I am looking forward to feeling better after the treatment.”

Luz is a three-year-old girl from a mining town in central Bolivia. Her mother is a farmer and her father sadly passed away from a heart attack soon after she was born. Luz has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and dependent on an external oxygen tank. Fortunately, our medical partner, The International Cardiac Alliance can help. Luz is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on March 21st. Our medical partners are requesting $1,500 to fund her procedure. Luz's mother says, "I am looking forward to my daughter being able to play normally and start preschool after her surgery!"

Umaru is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. He farms on his small piece of land, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling the surplus to generate income for his family. Umaru came in presenting with an umbilical swelling, which he has had for close to 6 months. The pain and swelling progressed over time, affecting his movement and ability to perform daily activities. Umaru was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia and the doctors recommended for him to have surgery to remove the mass. Umaru traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 5th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Umaru needs help to raise $188 to fund this procedure. Umaru says, "With support, I hope to undergo my surgery, expect to get better, and continue farming in good health to sustain my family."