Juliana is an 86-year-old woman from Lilongwe District in Malawi. She is a mother of three children, who unfortunately did not complete their school studies due to financial constraints. Currently, all three of her children are married and living in their own homes, but are struggling financially. With her husband deceased, Anna relies on the kindness of others for assistance as she is no longer able to support herself in her old age. For a period of eight years, Juliana has lived with a swelling on the right side of her neck that started as a pimple. Presently, Juliana has been feeling pain from the swelling and is unable to carry any load on her head due to severe headaches. She has been to different health centers in search of a solution until she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. A biopsy was done and she was diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma, which is is a benign tumour that affects the salivary glands. She has been scheduled to undergo parotidectomy surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Juliana receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a parotidectomy which will ease her pain symptoms and treat her condition. Now, Juliana needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Juliana says, “I’m looking forward to the treatment, thank you for the support.”

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.”

Mu is a 62-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her family in a village in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. She works as a day laborer and housekeeper. She also collects and sells recyclable materials for additional income to support her daily needs. In September 2023, Mu accidentally fell down the stairs and fractured her hip, making it difficult for her to walk and move her legs. She is in constant pain, affecting her ability to sleep and perform her daily tasks. Fortunately, Mu learned about our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). At BCMF's care center, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Mu of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for March 1st and Mu needs help raising $1,500 to pay for this procedure. “I felt sad and depressed when I realized I needed surgery because I couldn’t afford to pay for it,” said Mu. “I am also concerned about my ability to take care of myself. I was thrilled and felt grateful to all the donors and BCMF when I learned they would help pay for my treatment. I want to take care of myself without anyone’s help. I don’t want to put anyone under unnecessary pressure. Along with that, I want to walk like I used to again.”