Margaret is a mother of two children, ages eleven and six. She does any type of job that is available to earn money to support them - from washing to cleaning to farming. Margaret's husband is a street salesman at their local bus stop. The couple spends almost all of their earnings on their youngest son, who has health problems of his own. Margaret recently experienced a disk prolapse, a condition in which one disc in a her spinal column bulges out and often makes contact with nerves on the spine. This gives her severe back pain and numbness her legs. "I am used to working hard," Margaret says, "but when the pain starts, I feel as though my back is breaking and I cannot do anything. I want to be well again and take care of my family." For $1500, we can give Margaret a hemilaminectomy. This surgery will help alleviate the symptoms of an impinged or irritated nerve root in the spine. The procedure will also create more space in the spinal canal and release Margaret's nerve tissue from pressure. Doctors at our medical partner expect that after the surgery, Margaret will no longer be in pain and will be able to take care of her family.

Meet five-year-old Ryan, a playful young boy from Kenya! Ryan has not been able to play like he once did due to headaches, vomiting and reduced vision caused by a serious brain tumor. “I feel a lot of pain for my son. I wish that his surgery would be performed soon so that he can play like other children,” says Ryan’s father. Both casual laborers, Ryan’s parents have worked hard to care for their son. But with two other children at home, they do not have the means to fund the $1,500 surgery Ryan urgently needs. Known as a craniotomy, doctors can perform a surgery that removes a small portion of Ryan’s skull to access the tumor and reduce the pressure on Ryan’s brain. Let’s help Ryan get healthy again so he can grow and play!

Pamela is busy preparing for her first child, due in July. This pregnancy has been challenging for Pamela, but she is optimistic that with the right support, she will give birth safely. Our support will fund educational visits from community health workers, a supported birth in Lwala hospital, and a postnatal check up for Pamela and her baby. Pamela's experience with Lwala has been positive so far. She says, "I learned about nutrition and a balanced diet. I also learned a lot about malaria and to sleep under an insecticide treated net. [The community health worker] also taught me to avoid heavy duties like lifting heavy loads and bending for a long time." Let's help Pamela translate those lessons into a healthy pregnancy and delivery!