Felix is a 30-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with one child, and enjoys playing soccer during his free time. Felix values an active life, but for the past seven months, persistent abdominal pain has made it difficult for him to enjoy the life he once knew. Early this year, Felix started experiencing a twisting pain, and burning sensation in his abdomen several times throughout the day. Seeking relief, he visited several clinics, but none provided a lasting solution. After an assessment at a district hospital, he was advised to seek specialized care at a facility that offers surgical services. Recently, Felix made the two-hour journey to Nkhoma Mission Hospital. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area, that occurs due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Felix was informed that he needed surgery, but the cost exceeded what he could afford. Having already spent a significant amount on seeking treatment and transportation, and with limited resources and a family depending on him, he is now seeking support to undergo the surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Felix receive treatment. On September 22nd, he is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery to recover from the painful symptoms, allowing him to return to work, care for his family and go back to his everyday life. Now, Felix needs help to fund this $421 procedure. He says, “I am hoping that after the surgery, I will be free from this pain and able to return to my farm. I want to work hard for my wife and child, provide for my family, and enjoy playing soccer with my friends again. I pray that with this treatment, I can regain my strength and continue building a better future for my family.”

Catherine is a 43-year-old woman and mother of four children from Uganda. She and her husband are teachers. Together, they work hard to provide for their family, meet their children's educational needs, and ensure that the household has its necessities. Their teaching careers are an important source of livelihood, although the demands of raising four children and meeting other family responsibilities require careful financial planning. Five years ago, Catherine began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent pain in her lower abdomen. Initially, she hoped that the discomfort would resolve with treatment, but unfortunately, the pain has continued over the years. She particularly experiences it during physical exertion, and despite receiving treatment, she has not obtained lasting relief. She was diagnosed with appendicitis. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Catherine receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo surgery that will address her symptoms and prevent future health complications on November 3rd. This procedure will cost $297, and Catherine and her family need your support. Catherine says, "For the past five years, I have lived with persistent pain in my lower abdomen. I have visited several health facilities and tried different treatments. This condition has caused me a lot of worry because I am a mother of four children and a teacher who still has many responsibilities to fulfil. I am afraid that if the problem is not properly treated, my condition may worsen and affect my ability to care for my family and continue working. I sincerely appeal to kind-hearted donors to support me in accessing the medical care I need. Your assistance would give me renewed hope of overcoming this pain, regaining my health, and returning to my normal life. I would be deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity."

Ryan is a hardworking father from the Philippines. He is the family's only regular income earner, supporting his children who are currently studying while covering most of their daily needs and household expenses. His wife stays at home to care for their children and occasionally takes on small jobs when opportunities arise to supplement the family's income. Ryan enjoys playing basketball, a sport he has loved for many years, and still plays with his co-workers whenever they have free time as a way to stay active and unwind. Two years ago, Ryan began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain. Ryan was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Ryan is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 19th. A portion of the procedure's cost is being covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Ryan's surgery and care. "Thank you very much for helping me and other people who need surgery. The assistance you provide is a great help because we cannot afford the high cost of the operation. We are truly grateful that you are helping many people who are in need," says Ryan.