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.”

Aymy is a loving housewife and mother of two children. A year ago, Aymy began to experience severe pain and frequent acid reflux. During these bouts of pain, her husband misses work to stay home and care for their children. Aymy was found to have gallstones and was advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications. Aymy is scheduled to undergo the procedure on March 5th with our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of the procedure and WSFP is raising the remaining $1128 to cover the cost of Aymy's surgery and care. Aymy says, "I am grateful to everyone who will donate for my surgery. We cannot afford the treatment, especially when the necessities are costly. Thank you for making this possible for me and my family."

Shilah is a kind, soft-spoken woman from Kenya who is currently expecting her fifth child. Three of her children are studying in school, and Shilah shared that one of her children passed away in 2014. Shilah's parents passed away when she was young, so she did not have anyone to pay for her school fees. After completing primary school, she began working in farming. Her husband is also a farmer, as well as her older sister. During her free time, Shilah enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting a new baby and received full antenatal care. All of her past deliveries have been via a cesarean section. As Shilah has been experiencing a loss of appetite, generalized body weakness, and other worrisome symptoms during her pregnancy, her doctors recommend that she deliver via a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Shilah undergo a C-Section on November 30th. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Shilah says, “I have no way of raising the money needed for my surgery by myself. I appeal for your support for the success of my delivery.”