27-year-old Maryam lives with her mother in Nigeria. She loves to knit, and has just started a business as a trader. Recently, Maryam was found to have uterine fibroids, or noncancerous growths of the uterus that typically form during child-bearing years. "Maryam experiences heavy menstrual bleeding, excessive pain, and frequent urination," our medical partner, Hope for West Africa (HWA), reports. Though fibroids are not cancerous, they do cause great discomfort and can lead to other conditions, such as anemia. For Maryam, they have impeded her ability to work and help her mother with the family business. To cure Maryam of the fibroids, she will need to undergo surgery. $1,500 will pay for her surgery and a seven-day stay in the hospital for follow up appointments. After the procedure, "Maryam will be able to work and improve her business," HWA tells us. A vibrant young woman, Maryam is most excited to no longer experience pain or a prolonged menstrual flow. "I am looking forward to when I can assist my mother without complaining of pains and to not feel self-conscious," Maryam shares.

Blessing is a 35-year-old seamstress from Nigeria who has one older and four younger siblings. Our medical partner, Hope for West Africa, tells us she has a "sweet personality" and likes to cook. Blessing was recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids, painful noncancerous growths in the uterus. As a result, she has been having painful, prolonged menstrual periods and difficulty urinating. "Due to the pains and prolonged menstrual flow she hasn't been concentrating in her business of making clothes," shares Hope for West Africa, our medical partner. Blessing is unable to pay for treatment, as she contributes part of her income to help her siblings attend school. For $1,500 we can fund surgery to remove the growths, relieving Blessing's pain. The funding will also cover hospitalization and recovery. "Blessing looks forward to when she can concentrate and spend most days in her shop without pain and heavy flow," the staff at Hope for West Africa adds.