Killiness is a 54-year-old farmer from Malawi, married with no children. She lives in rural Lilongwe, about 90 km from the city, and supports herself and her elderly, sick mother through small-scale farming. Her husband rarely visits, leaving her with full responsibility for the household. Her limited income barely covers their living expenses.
For two years, Killiness has been experiencing severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding. She sought help at a nearby facility and was referred to a larger hospital, where she continued receiving care. Due to financial challenges, she often had to forgo food to save money for transport. Her condition has greatly affected her ability to farm and provide for her mother, and she frequently misses her work due to pain and hospital visits. The illness has also isolated her socially and caused emotional distress.
Kiliness was scheduled for surgery on October 22nd but elevated blood pressure led to postponement. She returned to the hospital on November 12th, only to face another delay due to long waiting lists. Feeling hopeless, she prepared to leave, but a doctor encouraged her to seek help at our medical partner’s care center, Partners in Hope (PIH). She went immediately and was reviewed by a gynecologist. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths 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 Killiness’s surgery. On December 9th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner’s care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Killiness will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.
Kiliness says, “Please help me. The pain has made life so difficult, but with surgery I’ll be able to farm again, care for my mother, and move forward with my life.”