Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

For 54-year-old Kingsley, farming has always been an important part of his life. It is how he feeds his family, pays for daily needs, and provides for his wife and four children in Malawi. Every planting season has depended on the strength of his hands. But earlier this year, one unexpected moment changed everything. Kingsley was traveling in February when he was involved in a road traffic accident. Among the injuries he sustained, the most severe was his fractured right arm. He was admitted to hospital and began what he thought would be a short journey to recovery. Instead, it became months of moving from one health facility to another, searching for treatment that never seemed to come. Each hospital visit brought another referral, another delay, or another disappointment. His family spent what little they had on transport, consultations, and the cost of simply trying to find help. As the months passed, his arm failed to heal, and the frustration began to weigh heavily on him. It was Kingsley's eldest daughter, who works as a nurse, who finally encouraged him to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. There, an X-ray revealed that the broken bone had failed to heal. Doctors explained that he now requires Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery. During this procedure, the broken bone will be realigned and secured with metal plates and screws to encourage proper healing. Leaving the fracture untreated could result in permanent weakness, loss of function, chronic pain, and difficulty performing even simple daily activities. For a farmer whose livelihood depends on physical strength, surgery treatment will offer the best chance of regaining the use of his arm and returning to the work that supports his family. Hearing that surgery was finally possible filled Kingsley with relief, but it also came with another obstacle. After months of hospital visits and travel expenses, the family's savings had been exhausted. The treatment he had waited so long for was now beyond his financial reach. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare can help. Kingsley is scheduled for surgery on July 9th. He and his family need help raising $525 to fully fund the procedure. The surgery should allow the wound to finally heal so that he can return to his work of farming to support his family and live a more comfortable life. Kingsley shared, "I have waited a long time for someone to tell me there was still hope for my arm. I believe this surgery is my chance to work again, provide for my family, and live without the frustration I have carried since the accident. I am grateful that the donor program has given me hope when I thought I had run out of options."

Eman is a five-year-old boy living in Kenya with his parents and younger brother. The family is originally from Ethiopia, where his father served as a missionary, but have relocated while his father is attending missionary college. As a student, Eman’s father does not have a work permit, and the family relies on a small income from the church. They have also been unable to obtain health insurance. Eman was originally referred to our medical partner for chronic tonsillitis, but during his evaluation, doctors identified a reducible left inguinal hernia. This type of hernia is present at birth, but symptoms can take some time to appear. Doctors advised that the hernia repair be postponed until after a tonsillectomy, as the tonsillitis was causing repeated hospital admissions, frequent infections, and continuous use of antibiotics. Eman’s tonsillitis surgery was successful, and his recovery has been remarkable. His father expresses immense joy and gratitude because Eman is sleeping better, is more active, and is able to enjoy his childhood without constant illness. With his recovery complete, Eman is now scheduled for hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $864 to fund Eman’s surgery, which will take place on May 15th. This surgery will give him the chance to grow up healthy, attend school without discomfort, and avoid future complications. Eman's father says, "This hospital has been a blessing and a healing to our family. My son has since improved after the first surgery, and we thank God for everything. Please help us so that my son can grow like other children, healthy, go to school, and we will testify to what the Lord does.”