“I am unable to sell at my shop and even to cook for the child who is at home,” says Margaret, a 46-year-old shopkeeper from Kenya is who raising two children on her own. “Margaret is experiencing heavy menses, excessive bleeding, and pain,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. Margaret has been experiencing this for about five years, but noticed increased bleeding last month which has not stopped. "Margaret received a pelvic scan, which confirmed she has multiple fibroids." Fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus and are very common. They can be very small (invisible to the naked eye) or very large (melon-sized) and can be a single mass or a cluster of masses. AMHF continues, “If not treated, Margaret will continue to bleed, which may lead to anemia. The fibroids will also continue to grow, affecting surrounding organs.” Doctors recommend that Margaret have a total abdominal hysterectomy to remove her uterus and cervix. Margaret’s income from her shop is not enough to support her family and pay for the surgery that she needs. $790 covers the cost of surgery, medicine, and a five-day hospital stay. “Margaret will be free from the pain, bleeding, and risk of anemia," AMHF expects. "She will be strong again to care for her children and improve her business.” “I pray that Watsi will come to my aid and that my operation will be successful," Margaret shares. "If I get well, I hope to expand my small business.”

Meet Kyakwera, a 32-year-old woman from Uganda. Kyakwera is married with six children. Kyakwera has a goiter, an abnormally large swelling of the thyroid gland. The pain from the condition has forced her to stop working, and “today, Kyakwera has severe pain while swallowing saliva or any kind of food. She cannot eat properly,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Goiters are often caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. While usually harmless, if they grow too large, they can impede swallowing, as is the case for Kyakwera. Kyakwera and her husband have a very small income. "She used to work on her garden but no longer has the strength to work due to this condition," her doctor says. Kyakwera and her husband are unable to support their large family and afford the treatment that Kyakwera needs. $170 can fund a thyroidectomy to remove her thyroid gland. “After the surgery, Kyakwera will stop having the severe pain and she will be able to eat," AMHF explains. "Kyakwera will be able to work and take care of her children." Kyakwera shares, “I am hoping to go back home without any pain.”