Matilida is a businesswoman from Malawi. She is a widow who lost her husband in 2005. Being a dedicated member of the Assemblies of God, the church decided to take over the responsibility of her only son through education. Matilda sells boiled potatoes for a living. Twenty-nine years ago, Matilida began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling in the neck. She sought help from several traditional doctors without success. In 2023, she started experiencing symptoms like pain when swallowing, neck heaviness, frequent coughs, and increased swelling of the neck. The symptoms continued to get worse, affecting her business. Matilda was referred to a hospital where she was diagnosed with a goiter and was recommended to have a thyroidectomy. 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. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Matilida receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on May 16th at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015 and she and her family need help raising money. Matilida said, “I am looking forward to my healing as the only parent for my only child.”

Rosette is a social and engaging lady. She is a mother to two sons; one works in business and her younger son is in school studying. Rosette lost her husband a few years back; however, with farming, she has managed to raise her children. For the past three years, Rosette has been experiencing severe lower abdominal pain, backache, and vaginal bleeding. Due to these symptoms, she has become more limited in her activities. She has been diagnosed with an early cancerous cervical lesion, and doctors recommend a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, requests $219 to fund Rosette's surgery. On February 28th, she will undergo surgery at Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Once recovered, Rosette can resume her work and activities free of pain. Rosette says, "I wish to see my children grow well; however, with such poor health, I can't do much. I thank you for your support and hope to improve after surgery."

Mao is a retired rice farmer and widow from Kampong Thom province, where she lives with one of her daughters. Her other four children and grandchildren live nearby. After retiring from decades of work in the rice paddies, Mao started to help more around the house and with childcare for her grandkids. She enjoys spending time with family, and visiting the local pagoda to pray. About six months ago, Mao developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On February 1st, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can do the housework easily and take good care of my grandchildren."