Mary is a mother of four from Malawi. Originally from Blantyre, she moved to Lilongwe in search of employment and was fortunate to secure work as a housemaid and nanny. For three months, Mary has been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. She was brought to Partners in Hope (PIH) by her employer, where she was managed for anemia and reviewed by a gynecologist. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and surgery is recommended. Mary remains hopeful that the surgery will restore her health, enable her to return to work with renewed strength and concentration, and allow her to continue supporting her children and family back home. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1363 to fund Mary's surgery. On October 2nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. "Your support will make me happy again and help me concentrate on my job again," she shared.

Apofia is a 63-year-old farmer from Uganda. She has six children - three sons and three daughters. She and her husband have a small banana and coffee farm. The couple lives together and enjoys a peaceful and harmonious life, supporting each other in their daily activities. About a year ago, Apofia began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling at the front of her neck. The condition has progressively worsened and causes persistent headaches and difficulty sleeping due to episodes of shortness of breath. Apofia was diagnosed with a right thyroid goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Apofia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 2nd at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Apofia says, “There are nights I go without sleeping at all because of the discomfort it brings me. I need surgery for a complete recovery; however, with my income, I can’t raise the money needed and kindly appeal for your support.”

Salimata is a 58-year-old woman from Mali. She has one son, and is a home maker who lives in Yirimadio. About four months ago, Salimata began experiencing gynecological symptoms including persistent lower abdominal pain. She sought medical assistance at a local health center, and upon examination that included an ultrasound, was diagnosed with a left ovarian cyst. She needs to undergo surgery to treat her condition. Our medical partner, Muso, is requesting $677 to fund Salimata's surgery. She is scheduled to undergo her myomectomy on August 13th at Hôpital du Mali. Salimata says: "I will be very happy to be healthy again, and be able to resume my regular duties after recovery."