Josefe is a small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with three young children. As the eldest of four siblings, his family also depends on him. Based on the assessment, he cannot afford the cost of the required surgery. In 2022, Josefe was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. His symptoms began as a small swelling, which he initially ignored. Over time, the swelling worsened and began interfering with his daily activities. He sought help from several private and government facilities without success. Eventually, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), where doctors confirmed the diagnosis and recommended surgery. Fortunately, on March 10th, Josefe will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Josefe's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "My courage brought me to PIH, knowing I would be assisted and get better; Kindly support my surgery and save my life, which is in danger," said Josefe during the assessment.

Enifa is a 25-year-old woman from Malawi. She is married and a mother of two children, ages six and ten. Together with her husband, she supports her family through tomato farming. Enifa had been in good health until 2024, when her husband noticed changes in her neck and encouraged her to seek medical care. As the swelling in her neck increased, she made several hospital visits. In early 2025, after the growth became more pronounced, she was diagnosed with a goiter. Her symptoms continued to progress despite ongoing care. In December 2025, as her condition worsened further, Enifa was taken to our medical partner care center, Partners In Health. for further evaluation. There, she was assessed by a surgeon who conducted the necessary tests and confirmed the diagnosis of goiter, as well as the need for surgical treatment through a procedure known as a thyroidectomy. This surgery involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland, depending on findings at the time of surgery. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and produces hormones essential for metabolism, growth, and many other bodily functions. Over the past fourteen months, Enifa has experienced increasing symptoms, including neck pain, difficulty carrying heavy items on her head, and episodes of choking at night. Surgery is recommended to prevent further worsening of these symptoms and to restore her quality of life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Enifa receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 13th at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1015, and she and her family need help raising money. Enifa hopes that the surgery will restore her health so she can continue caring for her children and resume her farming work. “The choking at night is terrifying me, and I am afraid of death; please help me, I have young kids." said Enifa.

Mariam is a 50-year-old mother of seven, and a small-scale farmer, living in Uganda. For years, she has lived and worked hard on her small farm in Kahuunga village, Ntungamo District. She grows crops to provide food and some income for her family. Mariam's life has been a mix of ups and downs due to her heavy family responsibilities and medical issues. Still, she has remained persistent and motivated to provide for her family. Twenty-five years ago, Mariam developed a swelling on her neck, which gradually increased in size. She used local herbs to rub on her neck, but over the years, as the swelling grew, it also became painful. She tried seeking medical help at Itojo Hospital, but she lacked the funds necessary for surgery. She went on to visit different health centers, where she received medications and injections, but nothing seemed to help. Mariam was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Mariam took the little money she had saved and travelled to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with a lipoma, which will need to be excised, to alleviate her discomfort, and to prevent her neck from becoming immovable. Mariam does not want to be a burden; she wants to heal, to return to her small farm, and to take care of herself and her family again. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On November 4th, surgeons at Rushoroza Hospital will remove the mass. Now, Mariam needs your help to raise $145 to fund this procedure. Mariam said: “I am not well; currently, I cannot work when bending. I pray that I may get well through surgery, so that I may live a better and more comfortable life.”

Leah is a 27-year-old mother of two from Malawi. She is a small-scale farmer and lives with her elder sister following the loss of their parents. Eighteen months ago, Leah was diagnosed with an epigastric hernia. There was a small swelling in her lower abdomen, which caused much discomfort and pain. Fortunately, on June 12th, Leah will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Leah's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Leah said, "You are my last hope for support to bring back my joy."

Luciana is a five-year-old girl from Columbia who lives with her father, younger brother and mother. Luciana is a very sweet, loving, outgoing and intelligent girl who loves to play with her friends. Her favorite food is salchipapas. Three years ago, Luciana started experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort when taking part in physical activities. Her mother took her to hospital where she was diagnosed with umbilical hernia, a condition where a portion of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the belly button. Due to the condition, Luciana has often skipped school because of severe pain. It also prevents her from playing freely with her friends. Fortunately, on May 23rd, Luciana is scheduled for hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $786 to fund Luciana's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Luciana's mother says, "As a mother, what I hope for most after Luciana's surgery is immediate relief from the discomfort and pain. I'm confident that this operation will not only improve her physical health but also allow her to return to enjoying her daily activities, such as playing and running, without pain. I hope to see her regain her energy and joy, as well as have a higher quality of life without the constant worry of the condition."

Verah is a 23-year-old vibrant young woman from Nairobi County, Kenya, who dreams of becoming a journalist and sharing inspiring stories from her community. As the youngest of six siblings, her family faces significant financial challenges. With her father unable to work due to injuries from an accident and her mother relying on subsistence farming to support the family, Verah's journey has been filled with hurdles. Eight years ago, Verah experienced a tragic accident at school that changed her life forever. While touring the grounds in a newly acquired school bus, a brake failure caused the bus to roll over multiple times. This horrific incident claimed the lives of five students and left many others, including Verah, with serious injuries. Though she survived, Verah endured profound physical losses—her right arm was amputated, she lost all but her thumb on her left hand, and the left side of her scalp was severely damaged. After a challenging month in the hospital and subsequent surgeries to help her heal, Verah faced a new reality. With the unwavering support of her family, she completed her high school education, eventually pursuing a degree in communication and media. However, her journey is far from over. While she has made incredible progress, her scalp still requires specialized care. Today, Verah is in her second year of studies, using her thumb to type on her devices while facing frequent headaches that hinder her attendance and focus in class. Despite these challenges, her dream of becoming a journalist shines brightly in her heart. In August this year, Verah underwent a procedure to help with her healing, but an infection has complicated her situation. She now urgently needs surgery to address the infected tissue and cover her wound. Unfortunately, Verah's national health insurance is currently inactive due to a transition being undertaken by the program, leaving her family to seek alternative support for her medical expenses. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Verah receive treatment. On October 15th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help in the healing process of her scalp wound, helping her complete her college education and fulfill her aspirations. Now, Verah's family needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Verah says, "Since the accident, I have worn a hat to keep the wound on my head hidden. I hope that this surgery will finally allow me to heal and move freely without drawing attention to myself."

Sangie is a student from Malawi. She lives with her parents and has just completed her public health course at the University of Malawi. She likes reading novels and enjoys eating chips and biscuits. Two years ago, Sangie was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. She would experience swelling, discomfort, and pain. This hernia causes her pain affecting her studies and now her work. She looks forward to living a life without symptoms and hopes to continue supporting her parents who supported her fully with education. Last week, she visited our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, and was recommended for surgery. Fortunately, on July 10th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Sangie's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Sangie said, “Can’t wait to be free from symptoms after surgery and get employed in good health.”

Caleb is the youngest of three children. His father is a farmer and a boda-boda rider who is working hard to provide for the entire family. Caleb's mother stays at home to take care of the children. Sometimes, she does the laundry of their neighbors in the village so she can help support her family. On April 9th, Caleb fell from a stool while playing with his siblings. He sustained an injury to his right arm. A nearby health facility gave Caleb medication for the pain and was referred to our medical partner's treatment center for further management. Caleb's x-ray showed a fracture in his upper right arm and needs surgery to facilitate its healing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, will perform a closed reduction percutaneous pinning on Caleb's arm on April 12th and is requesting $679 for the procedure. Caleb’s father says, “My youngest son is currently suffering and is in pain. Please help my son as he has always been the joy of our family. School will start soon and we hope that he will have fully recovered so he can continue with his studies.”

Colleta is a 26-year-old woman who works at a small boutique in Nairobi. She is married and has two children, who are four-years-old and five-months-old. Colleta and her family currently live in the capital city, but they plan to relocate to Colleta’s hometown soon. Colletta and her family were involved in a serious car accident last month. Her parents and brother passed away, and her husband and two children were seriously injured and admitted to the ICU. Although her husband’s condition has stabilized, Colleta’s kids are in critical condition and under pediatric intensive care. Colletta sustained a fracture to her right pelvic bones. As a result, she experiences severe pain and cannot sit, turn her body, or feed herself. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Colletta receive treatment. On April 28th, she will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, that will allow her to sit and walk again. AMH is requesting $979 to fund this procedure. Colleta shared, “I am in pain and cannot even turn or sit. I am also sad that I lost my parents and my brother. My kids and husband are in critical care and still in ICU. I feel confused and heartbroken.”

Tina is a 31-year-old food seller who is married and has two young sons. Her sons are two years old and eight months old. For the past year, Tina has been experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Frequent illness interrupts her work and makes her upset and feel down. She was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and worsen over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is helping Tina to receive treatment. On September 7th, surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Tina of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Now, CSC is requesting $241 to fund Tina's procedure and care. Tina shared, "I hope my throat pain will go away and I can feel much better after surgery."

Kyarimpa is a 45-year-old farmer and mother of two from Uganda. Kyarimpa currently takes care of her two children and her 103-year-old mother. Two years ago, Kyarimpa began experiencing severe lower abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. She has been diagnosed with multiple uterine fibroids. She is experiencing pain that is preventing her from working and taking care of her mother and her children. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, to ensure she doesn't experience any other future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $319 to fund Kyarimpa's surgery. When the surgery is completed, Kyarimpa will be able to resume her day-to-day responsibilities free of pain. Kyarimpa shares, “I have stopped farming completely because I am in severe pain. My family solely survives on farming. I pray that I may be considered for treatment to be able to continue with farming and take care of my family.”

Medard is married and a father of three. He lives with his family in Uganda near our medical partner's care center. Medard works as a security guard within his town while his wife is a farmer. They shared that their combined income provides for their children's basic needs. Medard has an umbilical hernia and has struggled with a swelling since childhood. However, six months ago when Medard was offloading a lorry truck, he felt a sharp pain and continued to experience other symptoms afterward. He visited the hospital and doctors recommend hernia repair surgery. On November 4th, Medard will undergo surgery, which will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently upon recovery. Our medical partner is requesting $230 to fund his procedure and care. Medard shared, “I am even worried I may lose my job if don’t get treatment to report back at work. My only hope of getting better is by undergoing my surgery, I kindly ask for your support.”