Caroline is a 26 year old woman who lives in the Nairobi area with her husband and five year old son. Caroline is a casual laborer who washes clothes for her neighbors, while her husband is also a casual laborer at construction sites getting work whenever he can. Six years ago Caroline began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling of the neck, accompanied by regular headaches, increased heartbeat at times, and difficulty sleeping. The problem appeared to start with a small nodule in her neck, which increased in size during her pregnancy. She was ultimately diagnosed with an enlarged thyroid gland, which will need to be excised to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Luckily Caroline's friend, Teresia, who had a thyroidectomy supported by the Watsi community, brought Caroline to meet with doctors from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Now on February 28th Caroline will undergo a thyroidectomy at Nazareth Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $657, and Caroline and her family need your help to raise this money. If not treated, the goiter will continue to grow, causing more severe symptoms and potentially leading to thyrotoxicosis. “I thank my friend for bringing me to Nazareth. I also request for help so that I can be treated and get back my normal life. My family is just beginning, and I hope to be well to take care of my young family like other mothers,” said Caroline.

Nelson, who is 29 years old and unmarried, lives in Kenya and works as a casual laborer on construction sites. In October 2023, Nelson fell from a tree where he was working. His right leg was injured and he was taken to a hospital in Kiambu, where an X-ray showed he had a closed ankle joint fracture. He was admitted to the hospital and put in traction. The surgeon there told Nelson that he would need a procedure that requires surgical plates for implanting in his leg to stabilize the fracture. Nelson and his family could not afford this, thus Nelson has been trying to go about his life and his work, despite the fracture and the pain it causes him. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, can help. On March 20th, Nelson will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, at Nazareth Hospital. This procedure will mean that Nelson will no longer be in pain; he will heal well, and resume working. Now, African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. “I have almost given up since I cannot pay for treatment. I would greatly appreciate the help so that I may be well and resume my job. I also hope to have a family of my own soon.” Nelson said.

Sostine is a 26-year-old waitress. Sostine is the second oldest of 6 children. She lost her parents and three siblings at a young age and could not proceed with her school past grade 6 due to a lack of teachers. She lives alone and works at a local eatery to make ends meet. For two years, Sostine has had an epigastric hernia. She experiences pain and strain when she has to bend or do anything strenuous. She experiences discomfort and pain when she tries to eat a full meal. She came to Nyakibale hospital for care and was recommended surgery as treatment. She appeals for help to undergo surgery. Fortunately, on February 7th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Sostine's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Sostine says, “I wish my health can be brought back to normal so that I can continue with my work and live a better quality of life.”