Bertha is a 45-year-old woman from Malawi. She runs a small restaurant in the village, while her husband is a motorcycle taxi driver. Their only daughter moved to South Africa to work. Bertha likes resting after doing house chores and enjoys eating nsima, a traditional Malawian porridge, served with chicken. For two years, Bertha has been experiencing abdominal pains associated with dizziness. In January 2024, her symptoms got worse and she experienced heart palpitations with some bleeding making her unable to continue running her business. A week ago, she visited our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, and was examined by a gynecologist. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors in the uterus. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Bertha's surgery. On August 20th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Bertha will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Bertha said, “I am looking forward to that surgery day for me to regain my peace of mind and resume my business after surgery. I am tired of being supported by my young brother when I can support myself.”

Remedios is a mother of one from the Philippines. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and doing household chores. Remedios relies on her monthly pension, which she uses to support her son who is in college. Six years ago, Remedios began to experience troubling symptoms, including random and sharp abdominal pain attacks especially when she eats fatty food. She initially consulted with a doctor and was advised to undergo surgery but she did not have the financial capacity to do so. Remedios has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Remedios is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on August 30th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. WSFP is raising $706 more to cover the cost of Remedios' surgery and care. Remedios shared, "Thank you very much to all of you who will make this free surgery possible for me. This has been my prayer for the past six years. You and your generosity are my answered prayer."

Balbina is a seven-year-old girl living with her parents and seven siblings in Tanzania. Balbina's parents are seasonal farmers. When Balbina was three years old, her mother noticed that she was having difficulty walking. At first, she thought it was due to fatigue from all of the walking that Balbina enjoyed doing. However, as the days went by, the problem persisted. Her mother took her to the nearest clinic, but they could not diagnose the issue. Over time, Balbina’s condition worsened. Eventually, Balbina began walking with one of her legs bowed. The condition deteriorated rapidly, and within six months, her gait changed completely. This made it difficult for her to walk and perform other activities at home. Balbina was in pain and easily fatigued. The family tried seeking treatment for Balbina, but were unsuccessful. They visited traditional healers hoping for a cure, but nothing worked. Balbina was referred by a hospital employee to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, where she was diagnosed with windswept deformity. This condition requires corrective surgery to treat her legs. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $891 to fund the procedure, scheduled for August 13th, that will enable Balbina to grow into a healthy young woman. Balbina’s father said: “I wish for my daughter to be okay. We would love to see her dreams come true as she grows older.”