Meet Teresa, a 37-year-old woman from Kenya who rents a small shop where she sells tomatoes and onions.
Teresa came to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), with uterine fibroids. Fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus and can vary by size.
Some women who have fibroids have no symptoms, while others experience heavy periods, abdominal pain, or constipation. “Teresa is experiencing heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. She tires easily and has dizzy spells,” shares AMHF. “Teresa is forced to be away from her shop for long periods of time—sometimes 2 weeks—because of the bleeding.”
Doctors recommend that Teresa undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), a surgical procedure in which her uterus and cervix are removed. “If not treated soon Teresa could develop severe anemia,” AMHF shares.
$800 covers the cost of Teresa’s surgery and four days of post-operative hospital care. Teresa has saved $109 to cover additional costs associated with her care.
AMHF tells us, “The treatment will stop the bleeding, and therefore, reduce the chances of Teresa developing anemia. She will be able to work again and support her needs.”
“I am thankful that Watsi is willing to support my care,” says Teresa.