Ashan is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with six children; five of them married, and one who is a secondary school student. Ashan lives with his wife, their last born child and four grandchildren. To support his family, he cultivates maize and beans, and also rears domestic animals like goats and chicken. Three months ago, Ashan started experiencing trouble with urination and bowel movements. He decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where a catheter was placed. The solution worked for some time but later on, he started experiencing pain at the catheter site, and it became increasingly difficult for him to walk long distances and engage in his farming activities. He went back to the hospital where he was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate. Surgery was recommended, but Ashan could not afford the cost of the procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Ashan receive treatment. On April 16th, Ashan will undergo a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. The surgery will help treat his condition and improve his quality of life after recovery. Ashan and his family are able to contribute $87 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Ashan says,” I am looking forward to feeling better after the treatment.”

Somean is a 12-year-old 6th grader who lives in rural Kampong Chnang province with her parents and three siblings. Her parents earn a small living as rice farmers. In school, Somean loves Khmer and English class, and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. At home, she likes playing with her siblings and reading books. Since she was 6 years old, Somean has experienced a sore throat, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and a hard time sleeping. Frequent illness causes her to miss school. Somean was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Somean, which is scheduled to take place on February 8th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Somean of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Her mom shared, "I hope she can feel better after surgery so her life will be easier for going to school, eating, and sleeping."

Diana and her husband Isaya just welcomed twins! Their family lives in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Diana works in the home, managing the household and caring for their children, while Isaya works diligently on their farm to provide food. In addition to farming, Isaya does daily work to supplement their income. After welcoming their twins, they are working hard to try to provide them with everything they need. Both babies were born with clubfoot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This condition causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes as they grow. Fortunately, their family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment for both of their newborns on February 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund the clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and wear shoes when he gets older. Diana Says, “I hope both my children will grow up with no disability.”