Gasper is a thirteen-year-old resilient boy from Tanzania. He hails from Igwamadete village in the Singida region. Gasper is the eighth child in a family of nine. His parents, both farmers, work tirelessly cultivating food crops to make ends meet to help provide for the family. In June 2023, tragedy struck when Gasper was bitten by a snake on his right arm while he was asleep. His parents rushed him to the Igwamadete dispensary for immediate treatment, but unfortunately, the facility was not equipped to provide the specialized care he needed. Gasper was referred to the General Hospital in Dodoma and admitted for eight days. Following his stay at the hospital, Gasper was then taken to the Katavi region for local treatment, where he remained for four months. Despite their efforts, Gasper returned home to Singida with a developing contracture in his right elbow. This condition significantly limits his ability to engage in daily activities comfortably, including his studies. In their search for treatment, Gasper’s parents encountered another mother who had experienced a similar ordeal with her child. This compassionate woman directed them to Kafika House Center. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is now helping Gasper receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On December 13th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help release the skin limiting the extension and flexing of his elbow. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Gasper says: “I can’t write comfortably because of my hand; I hope my hand will get back to normal.”

Gerson is a four-month-old baby. He is the second-born child in a family of two children. Gerson's mother stays at home while his father engages in casual day jobs to earn a living. Gerson was born with clubfoot on both his legs. His feet are twisted inward and downward, which requires treatment at an early stage. This will make it difficult for Gerson to crawl, walk, and wear shoes. Fortunately, Gerson's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on April 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Gerson's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to wear shoes and will reduce stress on his feet when he starts walking. Gerson’s mother Says: “Please help my son. I hope he finishes his treatment and his feet get better to grow up and be successful.”

Edina, a 41-year-old mother of seven, works as a vegetable seller, earning about $2.97 per day for her family's upkeep. She finds joy interacting with her customers and has a fondness for chicken and nsima, a Malawian staple porridge made from maize flour. Four years ago, Edina discovered a small, painless swelling on the right side of her neck. After seeking medical advice at a nearby hospital, she was diagnosed with goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. She was instructed to wait for an opportunity for surgery, but her condition has worsened, causing breathlessness, neck pain, and difficulty lifting heavy objects. This has affected her work capacity and resulted in a decrease in income. Inspired by a fellow community member's journey to seek help, Edina visited our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Centre, where a surgeon reconfirmed the need for a thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of your thyroid gland. Faced with financial hardships, Edina is seeking support for her surgery treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edina receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at PIH will perform a thyroidectomy to relieve her symptoms and help her resume her vegetable business at full capacity. Now, Edina needs help to fund this $1,015 procedure. Edina says, “I feel so fortunate to get the opportunity for support. Thank you so much, I believe surgery will help me get back to normal life."