“For us to have food to eat, my husband and I have to struggle,” explains Jane, a 48-year-old woman and mother of four from Kenya. For five years, Jane has been dealing with uterine fibroids—benign tumors in or just outside of her uterus that develop from abnormally-growing uterine muscle cells. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Jane sells old clothes to her neighbors to make a living and thus does not have enough money to afford treatment. Meanwhile, “her husband does casual jobs wherever they are available” and none of the children are educated enough to provide support to their parents. “This is a really needy family,” reports AMHF. Due to her financial situation, Jane has only been able to afford painkillers these past five years. As a result, she experiences abdominal discomfort, painful menstruation, and a swollen/enlarged stomach. The problem recently worsened to the point where Jane could not leave her bed. Thanks to Jane’s neighbor, a past Watsi beneficiary, Jane was taken to the hospital and evaluated. Jane had to borrow money for the bus trip to the hospital, along with ultrasound scan that was needed for the evaluation. After examination and further detection of Jane’s fibroids, the surgeon ordered a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). For $790, we can fund a TAH for Jane—a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus and cervix through an incision in the lower abdomen. With this treatment, Jane will recover fully from her condition and be able to resume work and provide for her family. She will no longer experience pain and avoid the risk of the fibroids affecting surrounding organs. AMHF describes Jane as a “strong willed lady.” This is clear in her desire to help her husband and children: “This illness has made it very difficult for the family to survive as they can only depend on my husband. If I get well, I can start again selling the old clothes and make some money for our family’s survival.”

“I would like to be a pilot in the future,” shares Morris, a bright 11-year-old boy from Kenya. Coupled with his career aspirations is a love for mathematics. Morris enjoys attending school and learning from his teachers and peers. Severe headaches and blurry vision have affected Morris’ performance in school lately. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Morris was diagnosed with a brain tumor and “is at high risk of increased intra-cranial pressure, which may cause brain damage or death.” If his condition goes untreated, Morris may lose his vision and face decreased cardiac respiratory function, as well as eventual loss of consciousness. The youngest of six children, Morris lives with his mother and two of his siblings in a single-roomed rental house. AMHF explains, “Morris’ father abandoned the family, taking no responsibility in providing for their needs.” Three of Morris’ older siblings have already fled from home due to harsh living conditions. “Morris’ mother does any work she can get,” but does not earn nearly enough income to raise funds for Morris’ surgical care. With $1,260, we can support Morris by funding a craniotomy—a surgical procedure that involves opening his skull and removing the brain tumor. The funding will also cover labs, medication, imaging and 10 days of hospital care. AMHF expects that, with this treatment, “Morris will be relieved from risks of experiencing high intra-cranial pressure. His risk of becoming visually impaired will also be minimized.” Let’s help fund this life-saving treatment for Morris—hopefully allowing him to resume classes and pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.