"Being a single lady, Grace felt shy to share about her condition," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Until three days ago she bled profusely and collapsed. Grace was diagnosed with huge [uterine] fibroids." 47-year-old Grace is a mother of one child from Kenya. She works as a housekeeper, but only barely makes enough money to meet her basic needs. Her recent diagnosis with uterine fibroids causes severe bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and anemia -- which could lead to severe complications if untreated. "The Gynecologist recommends a total abdominal hysterectomy, which should be done the soonest possible," AMHF tells us. A total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) procedure will remove Grace's uterus and therefore allow her relief from the symptoms of her fibroids. The treatment will cost $790. “This is getting worse, if it continues like this, I could die," Grace shares. "I really hope Watsi will accept my plea for help and I hope that the surgery will be successful.''

Meet Guershon, a two-year-old boy from Haiti. “Guershon lives with his parents, brothers, and sisters on a small farm where his family raises goats and chickens and also grows mangoes,” says our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA). “He is a cheerful and curious baby, and spends most of his time at home with his mother.” “Guershon was born with a congenital heart disease, tetralogy of fallot, a condition involving multiple heart defeats that together prevent the body from receiving enough oxygen,” shares HCA. As a result, Guershon gets tired very easily and cannot play with other children. “If left untreated, the condition could become fatal,” explains HCA. For $1,500, Guershon will receive the necessary surgery to correct this condition. “Following surgery, Guershon should have normal blood flow through his lungs and to his body, and should be able to lead a normal life with no ongoing risk from this condition,” adds HCA.

“Our hope is Shangwe’s fingers will be released so that she can use her hands properly,” says Shangwe’s mother. Meet Shangwe, a four-year-old girl from Tanzania who has congenital contractures in both of her hands--a shortening of muscles that prevents movement. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) reports, “Shangwe is having a hard time using her hands due to the contracture of her fingers. Holding things is quite difficult.” Shangwe is the youngest of five children in her family. AMHF continues, "She likes to run around with other children and also playing hide and seek. Shangwe’s parents are livestock keepers. With three children who are going to school, coming up with enough cash to pay for Shangwe’s surgery has been difficult." For $550, we can fund a contracture release, which will increase Shangwe’s mobility in her hands. AMHF concludes, "Shangwe will be able to use her fingers and have the ability to perform many activities without difficulties." Shangwe will also be able to return to playing games with her friends.

“Jennifer is a very strong willed lady,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Jennifer, a 68-year-old woman from Kenya, is a widow with six grown children and several grandchildren for whom she is the sole provider. “One of her children, a daughter, died, leaving her small children under Jennifer’s care,” explains AMHF. Jennifer has been diagnosed with uterine cancer. Without proper treatment, the cancer will metastasize and likely become terminal. “I was devastated when I was diagnosed with cancer, but my doctor has given me hope by reassuring me that I will get well,” says Jennifer. “My daughter died, leaving me with her little children that I hope to continue helping as they grow.” For $790, Jennifer will receive surgery to remove the cancer from her body and enable her to continue holding her family together.

“It pains me to see my son suffer like this! I pray that he receives his treatment as soon as possible so that he can live a healthy life. I’ll appreciate any support towards his surgical care,” writes Lewis's mother. This little guy is Lewis, a seven-year-old boy living in Kenya as an only child to his single mother. He has a brain tumor, which causes severe headaches, a staggering gait, fatigue, and frequent vomiting. “He was unable to attend school consistently during the last term because of the severe headaches,” writes our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Without treatment, Lewis is likely to suffer brain damage or even premature death. Thankfully, with $1,260, AMHF will be able to provide the necessary surgery to treat Lewis' tumor. He will finally be able to continue his education, and lead a normal life with his loving mother. Let's pitch in and get Lewis the help he needs!