Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Edward is a 63-year-old man from Malawi. He is married with five children, and earns a living through roasting and selling peanuts within his community. Although all five of his children are married, they are supporting their own families, and are unable to provide significant financial assistance. At his age, he earns very little income from his business, which is often insufficient to meet his daily needs. Three years ago, Edward was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He first noticed a small swelling, which he ignored because it was painless and he believed it would resolve on its own. Over time, the swelling began to appear intermittently, and later started causing abdominal pain and discomfort. Concerned about his worsening condition, his brother advised him to seek medical attention at Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH). At the hospital, his diagnosis was confirmed, and a surgical repair recommended. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edward receive treatment. On September 16th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at PIH to relieve his symptoms, allowing him to live a healthier life. Now, Edward needs help to fund this $575 procedure. He says: "Your support will give me a whole new life, and help me to enjoy my life in good health."

Aneth is a one-month-old baby girl from Tanzania. Her parents are both subsistence farmers who grow crops primarily to provide food for their family, selling any surplus at the market to earn a living. She has one older sibling. Aneth has bilateral clubfoot, a condition in which both feet are turned inward. Without treatment, clubfoot can make it difficult for children to wear normal shoes and walk comfortably as they grow. Aneth’s family learned about clubfoot treatment through a former patient who had previously received care at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. The former patient encouraged the family to seek medical help for their daughter, giving them hope that Aneth’s condition could also be treated. Fortunately, Aneth's family traveled to Kafika House, where she will first undergo gentle manipulation and casting, a process that will gradually guide her feet into the correct position. After the casting phase, she will undergo a tenotomy procedure to help achieve proper foot alignment. Aneth's treatment will begin on September 21st. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Aneth's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Aneth has a good opportunity to grow with properly positioned feet, enabling her to wear normal shoes, walk comfortably, and participate fully in everyday activities as she grows. Aneth's mother shared, “We are grateful that we were directed here. We hope that through this treatment, our daughter will grow up able to walk well and wear normal shoes like other children."