Meet Babu, a 13-month-old boy from Tanzania. “Babu is a beautiful little boy and the only child to his mother, who is a single parent," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Babu was delivered by C-section in a bridged position, and has had trouble passing stool since birth," AMHF shares. His mother tried to feed him and provide Babu with the best care, but her son’s condition worsened. At six-weeks-old, Babu received an immediate colostomy, the removal of his colon. Babu was then diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease, a condition characterized by a blockage in the large intestine. As a single mother working on the farm, Babu’s mother cannot afford another hospital visit. AMHF says, “Despite all her hardships, Babu’s mother is a strong and hopeful woman. She dreams of raising her son and later going back to school. Her dream was to become a vet, and she still wants to have such a career.” With $1,500, Babu can undergo a two step procedure to first resection his paralyzed colon, then re-attach it and close the colostomy. AMHF states that with this surgery, “Babu will be able to pass stool normally and continue with normal growth.” “I pray for my baby to get well, live a normal life, go to school, and later on have a good career,” says Babu’s mother.

Meet 73-year-old Veronica from Tanzania, a widow and mother of four children. “Veronica is a strong, loving, hardworking woman,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Her husband died in 2010, and soon after she also lost her first born, who left her with three beautiful grandchildren.” Veronica has osteoarthritis in her left knee, a condition that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of the bones wears down. “Veronica has a long standing history of left knee pain. The pain has affected Veronica’s gait and is hindering her ability to do some small chores,” reports AMHF. “Veronica used to do a lot of farm work and she also kept some cows. Last year, she sold the last of her cows because she could no longer look after them.” For $960, Veronica can receive a total knee replacement procedure. Veronica was able to obtain health insurance from one of her granddaughters to partially cover the cost of surgery, and she also received a subsidy from the National Hospital Insurance Fund. However, she still needs financial support to cover surgical fees, x-rays, a 7-day hospital stay, medication, lab work, and physiotherapy. After surgery, “Veronica will be able to walk without feeling pain,” explains AMHF. "She loves flowers and wishes to be able to plant and water some flowers outside her house, as well as some beans on a small farm next to her house." Veronica looks forward to regaining her mobility. “I will be happy to regain my ability to walk properly, so that I can walk to the shop and go to church on Sundays.”

This is Esther, a hard working 24-year-old mother of two living in Tanzania. Esther and her husband are small-scale farmers with seasonal income. Last year, while cooking porridge on the stove, Esther had a seizure and fell into the open fire. According to a doctor at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), "It was her little daughter who saved her life by shouting so loudly for help when she found her mother face down on fire," As a result of the burn, Esther is unable to close her eyes. She constantly tears up due to dust and wind blowing in her eyes. She is also at high risk for an eye infection due to the debris that enter her eyes. "If not treated, Esther will never be comfortable," says AMHF. A $780 skin graft treatment will allow Esther to close her eyes again. She will no longer be in constant discomfort, and will be able to refocus on her family, children, and work. Esther says, “I long to be able to close my eyes, look without tears falling down my cheeks and not to suffer when it is cold, windy and dusty." Let's guarantee Esther access to the treatment she needs!