Mary is a 45-year-old mother of two from Malawi. She is a widow, having lost her husband in 2019. Her first child dropped out of school to help Mary with her small-scale business of selling plastic items such as pails, basins and buckets. Her second child is in Primary 5. Mary has been self-reliant, but occasionally her brother who is a soldier helps her out here and there.
For nine months, Mary has been experiencing abdominal pain. She went to a local hospital where painkillers were prescribed, but when the pain got worse she went back to the hospital. She then underwent a scan that revealed uterine fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will have to remove her uterus. Presently, Mary is experiencing weakness, tiredness, abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. Mary’s illness has affected her ability to run her business and drained all her income due to frequent hospital visits. She now spends most of her time in bed due to the pain.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Mary receive treatment. On May 2nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery, enabling her to resume her daily activities free from pain. Mary is able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but needs help raising $1,363 more to fund the procedure.
She says: “Due to persistent abdominal pain, I am unable to work. I need assistance in obtaining treatment, as my children rely on me.”

