Oscar is a 28-year-old married man from a village in Lilongwe District in Malawi. He has a young child who is not yet of school age, and relies on small-scale farming to support the family by growing maize, groundnuts, and keeping livestock. One year ago, Oscar noticed an itch in his throat and a slight hoarseness in his voice, initially thinking he was developing a cough. However, he later discovered a small painful swelling that has been gradually getting larger. He did not seek medical help as he had no funds to pay for treatment until his mother heard about a care program when she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Oscar was diagnosed with goiter, and was scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy surgery. The condition has negatively affected his life as the swelling is painful and sometimes, he experiences shortness of breath. Treatment will relieve him of these symptoms, improving the quality of his life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is helping Oscar receive treatment at their care center. On March 7th surgeons will perform thyroid surgery so he can regain his health. Now, he needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Oscar says, “Thank you for this opportunity, I am looking forward to treatment and recovery.”

Jasmin is an 11 year-old girl from Bolivia who needs heart surgery. Jasmin lives with her father, a police officer, and her mother, a nurse. She has one older brother and one younger sister in La Paz. Jasmin likes to paint, draw in coloring books, and help her family with errands. Jasmin was born with Down syndrome, and also a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole exists between two major blood vessels near the heart. Blood leaks through this hole, leaving Jasmin weak and short of breath. Our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance is requesting $1,500 to fund surgery to repair Jasmin's heart. During surgery, doctors will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer pass through it. Once her heart is repaired, Jasmin will be able to breathe easier and have more energy and ability to make the most of everyday. Jasmin's mother shares: "we're so happy that the time has finally arrived for her surgery, our family has been waiting a long time for this moment."

Suzan is a 30 year old farmer in southwestern Uganda. Despite completing 7th grade, she couldn't proceed with further education due to a lack of school fees. She engages in farming, cultivating food crops on her small piece of land primarily for home consumption. She also sells the surplus to generate income for her family. She is a devoted mother of two children, one in nursery and another in primary class three. She takes pleasure in caring for her children, handling their washing and cooking for them. Seeing her children enjoy the food she has prepared herself brings her great joy. Her husband works as a builder, and they reside in a three-room mud-built house. Suzan recounts that her last child was delivered via caesarean section but sadly passed away at 3 months. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting her fourth child. She's been attending antenatal care at Nyakibale Hospital. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of her higher risk. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Suzan undergo a caesarean section on December 12th. This procedure will cost $252, and Suzan needs your support. Suzan says, “With your support, I hope for a successful delivery, a live baby and a full recovery even afterward.”