Gilbert is 65 years old and a retired secondary school teacher from Malawi. He is married and a father of five children. His wife is a farmer. Six years ago, Gilbert began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small swelling on his neck. He visited the hospital, where he was diagnosed with recurrent follicular neoplasia of the thyroid. His medical history shows that he previously had a goiter in 1978, which was surgically removed, and he remained well afterwards. In 2023, Gilbert's condition worsened. After several tests, he was then started on chemotherapy for follicular thyroid disease and completed six cycles. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, for surgery and specialized care. He was diagnosed with a goiter, which is an abnormal swelling 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. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Gilbert receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 7th. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and he and his family need help raising money. Gilbert shared, "My condition has brought in more pain to my retirement life, ending up draining all my resources on hospital support; kindly help me to get better and get away with the stigma around me, said Gilbert during assessment."

Jiann is a charming baby from Kenya who just turned one year old. He has an older sibling, and his parents sell fruits at the roadside to provide for their family. Jiann has an umbilical hernia. Following his birth, his mother noticed his umbilicus was enlarged and slightly protruding. She was advised to monitor the area, as the concern might resolve on its own. However, by six months of age, there was no noticeable change, and the condition persisted. Now that Jiann has reached one year of age, his mother has been advised that hernia repair surgery is the best option for treatment. His family is requesting financial assistance in order to be able to afford the surgery. If left untreated, Jiann may develop complications, which could also interfere with his growth and development. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Jiann receive treatment. On March 2nd, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center. AMH is requesting $517 to fund Jiann's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jiann's mother said, "I would like to see my son grow up in a normal way. This condition may complicate, and that is why I seek help to have him operated on."

Fabiano is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third child in a family of eight children. His parents depend on small-scale farming and seasonal work to support the household, which makes it difficult to afford advanced surgical care. Despite these challenges, Fabiano remains active and motivated. He attends primary school and performs well in class. He enjoys reading and participating in group discussions, and he hopes to become a religious leader in the future. When he was one year old, Fabiano sustained a burn injury to his hand in a household fire. He received first aid at a nearby clinic, but as the wound healed, thick scar tissue formed and tightened, limiting the movement of his fingers and thumb. The contracture in his hand makes it difficult for him to write for long periods, grip objects firmly, and participate fully in practical school activities. His doctors recommend an amputation of the forth finger on his right hand and contracture release for the other fingers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Fabiano's surgery. After recovering, Fabiano is looking forward to doing his daily tasks such as holding tools, carrying items, and helping with chores. Fabiano says, “I want to use my hand like other students—to write well in class and hold things without pain. Treatment will help me continue my studies with confidence.”