Boxter is a farmer from Malawi. He is a husband and father of three from Dzungu village in Dowa District. He grows maize, tomatoes, and other crops to support his family. Three years ago, Boxter started experiencing urinary retention. It is a condition he chose to keep to himself, not sharing it even with those closest to him. Despite the discomfort, he continued working and providing for his family, doing his best to manage the situation quietly. Recently, he came to Nkhoma Hospital and waited in the surgical clinic to be seen. He was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Doctors explained that he needs a surgery, known as TURP, to relieve his condition and restore normal function. While this gave him a clear solution, it also brought worry. Boxter began making phone calls to family members, hoping they could help him raise the money for surgery. In the end, they were only able to gather a little, which is not enough to cover the full cost. He was advised to return home and wait until more funds could be found. Still in need and uncertain of what to do next, Boxter was referred to the SAFE Program for consideration. This has given him a chance to be heard and a renewed sense of hope. He now looks forward to the possibility of receiving treatment and returning to his normal life without the burden he has carried in silence for so long. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Boxter should undergo a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on April 29th. Once completed, it will hopefully improve Boxter's quality of life. Boxter said, “I have stayed with this problem for a long time without telling anyone. I was afraid and did not know how I would manage it. Now that I have a chance to be treated, I am hoping for support. I want to be well again and live without this condition.”

Nilo is 48 years old and a hardworking father from the Philippines. He has two children, both of whom are in school. Four months ago, Nilo began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain in the stomach and the back. Nilo was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Nilo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on May 2nd. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nilo's surgery and care. Nilo shared, "I am deeply grateful for Watsi's help. I hope more people can receive and benefit from this opportunity."

Melau is an eight-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the fifth child in a large family, and her parents depend on livestock and farming for income. Access to specialized care has been limited due to distance and cost. When she was younger, Melau accidentally got burned by hot milk. She now has a severe burn scar affecting her right wrist and hand. The injury led to deep burns and later severe tightening of the scar, leaving her wrist stiff and her hand function reduced. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Melau receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give her a chance for improved independence and daily function. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Melau's father says, “Her wrist is very tight and painful, and she cannot use her hand normally for playing or helping at home.”