Ezekiel is a 76-year-old man from Malawi. He is a widower and father of six living in Nathenje, Lilongwe. He works as a day laborer and a small-scale farmer. Ezekiel lives alone in a small house which was initially temporary, but now is his permanent home. For one year, Ezekiel has noticed a left inguinal hernia. The condition has slowly taken away his strength and ability to work comfortably. He now experiences pain that stretches down into his right leg, making it difficult for him to walk long distances or perform physical labor. The work that once sustained him has become harder and harder to do. Hoping for help, he came to Nkhoma Hospital, where doctors examined him and advised that surgery is needed to correct the condition and relieve his pain. Hearing that treatment was possible brought him hope, but the cost of surgery is more than he can afford. For Ezekiel, this surgery means more than treatment. It is a chance to regain his strength, continue working, and live without the constant pain that now shapes his days. Your support will empower him to keep fighting despite his circumstances. Fortunately, on May 18th, he will undergo hernia repair with mesh surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to fund Ezekiel's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ezekiel said, “I am growing old, but I still want to work and care for myself while I can. This illness has made life very difficult for me. I do not have anyone to help me, but I am hoping that I can receive support and get this surgery so I can live with less pain.”

Brighton is 20 years old and the fifth-born in a family of six children from Malawi. He lives with his parents, who run a small-scale potato-selling business. He works as a part-time cleaner and uses his income to fund his college education. Six months ago, Brighton noticed a swelling in a sensitive area of his body. The swelling often came and started to cause pain, discomfort, and nausea, affecting his ability to work and focus on school. He was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall, causing pain, especially during strenuous activities. He needs surgery to address his symptoms and prevent future health complications. Fortunately, on June 9th, Brighton 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 Brighton's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Brighton shared, "Your support will enable me to continue doing my part-time job that supports my education; I look forward to making my parents happy after my education."

Ilhaam is a seven-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her parents and her younger sister, the only surviving children after her parents tragically lost their first set of twins shortly after birth. Ilhaam is a cheerful child who enjoys playing with other children in her neighborhood. She loves singing and dancing. Ilhaam’s father works as a primary school teacher and is the sole provider for the family. Although he works hard to support his household, the cost of surgery is beyond what he can afford. Her parents are hopeful that with support, their daughter will receive the treatment she needs to walk comfortably and return to enjoying childhood activities. Ilhaam has been diagnosed with unilateral left valgus, a condition where the left knee angles inward. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Over time, Ilhaam's condition has worsened, and she has begun experiencing pain while standing or walking for long periods. Her parents first sought help at a nearby health facility where they were told that her bones might be weak and she was given calcium supplements. Despite following the advice, her condition did not improve. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $631 to fund treatment for Ilhaam. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 10th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Ilhaam's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Ilhaam's father says, "I only wish to see my daughter walk, dance and play without pain, and grow up like other children."