Elicy is a 40-year-old married mother of four children aged between two and twenty years. She used to work part-time, doing laundry in people’s homes but due to her illness, she is unable to continue working. Her husband is a casual worker. They live in a rented house that costs about $4.75 per month. Elicy loves spending time with her husband and enjoying local meals. In 2019, Elicy observed swelling near her belly button region that was causing discomfort during her daily tasks. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition where tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge near the navel. Surgery was recommended, but she had to return home and wait for the opportunity to undergo treatment. By the end of 2023, the swelling and pains had worsened, and her physical laundry work was exacerbating the symptoms. At the hospital, she was recommended rest and advised to avoid strenuous activities while awaiting surgery, which significantly impacted her earnings. Earlier this month, she decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where the diagnosis of umbilical hernia was confirmed, requiring surgical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Elicy receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery providing her the opportunity for a healthier, pain-free life. Now, Elicy needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Elicy says, “I can’t wait to be well again, my husband needs my support to provide for the family.”

Juliana is an 86-year-old woman from Lilongwe District in Malawi. She is a mother of three children, who unfortunately did not complete their school studies due to financial constraints. Currently, all three of her children are married and living in their own homes, but are struggling financially. With her husband deceased, Anna relies on the kindness of others for assistance as she is no longer able to support herself in her old age. For a period of eight years, Juliana has lived with a swelling on the right side of her neck that started as a pimple. Presently, Juliana has been feeling pain from the swelling and is unable to carry any load on her head due to severe headaches. She has been to different health centers in search of a solution until she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. A biopsy was done and she was diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma, which is is a benign tumour that affects the salivary glands. She has been scheduled to undergo parotidectomy surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Juliana receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a parotidectomy which will ease her pain symptoms and treat her condition. Now, Juliana needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Juliana says, “I’m looking forward to the treatment, thank you for the support.”

Spencer is the last born in a family of four children. His father is a fisherman, and mother stays home to care for Spencer. Shortly after birth, Spencer's stomach became swollen. He was diagnosed with Anorectal Malformation - a birth condition in which the rectum is malformed. He was scheduled for a colostomy opening surgery, but Spencer's parents did not have any money for the surgery. They went back home with some medication to help pass stool as they were looking for money. After one month, they gathered some money and underwent the surgery. Spencer is now scheduled for an anorectoplasty surgery, where the surgeon will further correct the malformation. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, will perform the surgery on February 27th and is requesting for $743 to fund the surgery. Spencer’s mother says, “As a parent, it's very painful to see your child suffering yet there’s nothing you can do to help. I hope that my child will be able to recover and live a normal life.”