Angella is a 41-year-old mother of three from Malawi. As a full-time homemaker, the family depends on her husband’s income; he runs a small business to support the family. His income covers school fees and basic household needs, but is barely enough to cover surgical costs.
Four months ago, Angella started experiencing abdominal pain that was first mistakenly diagnosed as peptic ulcer disease. Soon after, she began noticing intermittent swelling around her umbilical area, accompanied with pain. As the symptoms worsened, Angella could no longer perform strenuous household chores that involved bending or lifting, and spent most of her time resting. In mid-November, her condition worsened when the swelling episodes became more frequent and lasted longer, causing intense pain. She went to the regional referral hospital, and was referred to our medical partner’s care center, Partners in Hope (PIH), due to long waiting lists.
At PIH, Angella was reviewed, and diagnosed with supra-umbilical hernia, a bulge in the upper abdomen, where tissue pushes through a weak spot in the midline abdominal muscles. Surgery has been recommended, but she cannot afford it.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Angella receive treatment. On December 10th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate her painful symptoms, allow her to live a healthier life. Now, Angella needs help to fund this $575 procedure.
She softly said, “I am worried because I don’t want to die and leave my children alone. With your support and restored health, I will continue being a responsible mother to my family.”

