Rexa is a 47-year-old mother from Malawi. She has four children, and her sister lives together with their family. Rexa has been selling second-hand clothes called kaunjika locally, but had to pause her business last December due to her health condition. Rexa’s husband is an electrician and is currently unemployed. Two of their children are in college, and they shared that their family is struggling to pay their school fees. Rexa also cares for her mom, who lives in the village. Last December, Rexa started having sharp pains in her abdomen radiating to the back and both legs. Her husband has taken her to many hospitals to figure out the cause of her pain, and it has cost their family a significant amount of money. After being evaluated for peptic ulcers, heart, liver, and kidney problems to no avail, she finally was diagnosed in April with uterine fibroids. Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman's uterus. These growths may become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. If left untreated, fibroids can continue to grow, both in size and number, and could result in increased heavy bleeding or a fatal case of anemia. Rexa was referred to Partners in Hope Medical Center for further review and the gynecologist recommended that she undergo a hysterectomy, which will remove her uterus and cervix and hopefully cure her of this pain. However, she has no insurance and is unable to pay for the cost of her care due to her family's earnings. Rexa will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She is scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy on May 28th, and African Mission Healthcare is requesting $1,363 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. After the surgery, Rexa is hopeful that she will stop having abdominal pains and can return to normal life, which can help her resume her business and support her family members again. Rexa's husband shared, “I am excited that finally there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. When my wife feels pain, I also feel pain and I fail to go and look for work to support the family. I strongly believe that this surgery will bring an end to our misery and sleepless nights. Now we will stop begging relatives for support with even transport money to the hospital, I am very grateful to the donors!”

Phalla is a 29-year-old construction worker, who is married and has two daughters. His nine-year-old daughter is in 3rd grade and his six-year-old daughter just started school. Phalla's wife works as a farmer. On April 29th, 2021, Phalla was in a motorcycle accident that injured and dislocated his right elbow. He is in pain and unable to move or use his right arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help him. On June 2nd, Phalla will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $465. This procedure will restore mobility to his arm so that he can use it normally again. Phalla shared, "I'm hoping I can use my arm better so I can return to work as soon as possible."

Touch is an 53-year-old nurse with one son and three daughters. Touch used to work as a volunteer nurse in a health center but retired after her husband passed away. She enjoys listening to the news and the monks praying on the radio. Five years ago, Touch developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, blurry vision, and itchiness. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. Surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly and perform daily activities again. Touch said, "I hope after surgery I can see better so I can help my daughter cook, do housework, and take care of myself well."