Lydiah is a 36-year-old fruit vendor from Kenya. Her husband is a motorcycle driver, and they have two children, ages eleven and seven. For seven months, Lydiah has been experiencing pain and abnormal bleeding in a sensitive area. After seeking treatment, Lydiah was diagnosed with a left ovarian benign cystadenoma and uterine fibroids. To relieve her pain, Lydiah needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. However, Lydiah does not currently have medical coverage and cannot afford the proposed procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On July 21st, Lydiah will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH's care center. Once recovered, Lydiah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, AMH is requesting $1260 to fund Lydiah's surgery. Lydiah said, “These stomach pains are unbearable and very uncomfortable. I cannot go to the market to sell fruits because of the pain. I hope to get this surgery to ease the pain and get back to my job.”

29-year-old Macklean lives in Uganda. When she had to leave school due to a lack of the necessary fees, she decided to become a tailor. She currently lives with her parents, who are small scale farmers, and has six younger siblings. Four years ago, Macklean developed a swelling on her head that initially looked like a pimple. Even as it increased in size, Macklean never sought medical attention, as the swelling was painless. But now the growth has increased to a size where she can't carry heavy loads comfortably, or wear her hair long, because the swelling becomes painful, and causes her to have severe headaches. On July 14th, surgeons at Rushoroza Hospital will remove the mass. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $145 to fund this procedure, so that Macklean can live comfortably again. Macklean says: “I want to look and feel normal again through surgery. I will continue with tailoring after recovery.”

Lydia finished high school last year and has dreams of attending university, but she started experiencing some pain in her abdomen last December. She experienced the pain for one month before going to the hospital for an examination. After an abdomen CT scan, Lydia was diagnosed with Cystic liver disease. She was booked for surgery after the family raised enough money through fundraising. During the surgery, Lydia experienced complications when anesthesia was being administered and the surgery had to be cancelled. She was admitted to the ICU for a few days, recovered, and was discharged, but all the money her family raised was used to pay the hospital bill, and the family had to get a loan to clear the bill. While at home, Lydia recovered well, and during the last clinic review, she was finally ready for liver surgery. Their family has completely exhausted their funds and is appealing for any financial help to facilitate their daughter's treatment, hoping that after her complete healing, she can pursue her dreams. Lydia shared, “I really want to be helpful at home and maybe get a job to help my family but I can’t. This condition is very painful. I hope I will be treated soon enough and recover well.”