Oscar is a 28-year-old married man from a village in Lilongwe District in Malawi. He has a young child who is not yet of school age, and relies on small-scale farming to support the family by growing maize, groundnuts, and keeping livestock. One year ago, Oscar noticed an itch in his throat and a slight hoarseness in his voice, initially thinking he was developing a cough. However, he later discovered a small painful swelling that has been gradually getting larger. He did not seek medical help as he had no funds to pay for treatment until his mother heard about a care program when she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Oscar was diagnosed with goiter, and was scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy surgery. The condition has negatively affected his life as the swelling is painful and sometimes, he experiences shortness of breath. Treatment will relieve him of these symptoms, improving the quality of his life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is helping Oscar receive treatment at their care center. On March 7th surgeons will perform thyroid surgery so he can regain his health. Now, he needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Oscar says, “Thank you for this opportunity, I am looking forward to treatment and recovery.”

Kondwani is a 34-year-old farmer and fisherman from Malawi. He is married with two sons aged twelve and seven years. Kondwani never went to school but is keen to support his children's education so they can have better opportunities in the future. Kondwani finds pleasure in fishing, and enjoys a meal of nsima made from cassava flour, and roasted fish. Six months ago, Kondwani was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The issue began with a minor swelling that led him to seek treatment at a local hospital. However, he was unable to receive immediate treatment because of the hospital's lengthy waiting list and his financial constraints. The swelling has since enlarged, causing him significant pain and making it difficult for him to perform his everyday tasks. Kondwani visited our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PiH), where he was examined and surgery recommended. Kondwani however lacks the funds required for the surgical procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Kondwani receive treatment. On April 16th, Kondwani will undergo hernia repair surgery at PiH, alleviating the pain and enabling Kondwani to live more comfortably and confidently after recovery. Now, Kondwani needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Kondwani says, “I look forward to continue working and supporting my family after surgery.”

Ivan is a two-year-old boy from Haiti, living with his parents and four siblings in an urban neighborhood. Ivan likes listening to music and watching the older kids play soccer. Ivan has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several concerns in the heart, including a hole between the two lower chambers and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These conditions prevent blood from passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving Ivan weak and short of breath. Ivan will need to fly to the Dominican Republic for treatment. On April 17th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons at Hospital CEDIMAT will patch the hole in his heart and remove the blockage from his valve, allowing blood to flow normally. Another organization is contributing money to pay for the surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is seeking your help to fund the $1,500 needed to cover the costs of Ivan's pre and post-operative care and the travel expenses and documents for Ivan's family and the social workers who will join the family during the trip. Ivan's mother said: "Our family is praying that our son will grow and become a strong and healthy child after surgery!"