Maria is a 28-year-old woman from Uganda. Maria has spent years trying to rebuild her life after losing her only child and undergoing two major abdominal operations. Today, she runs a small soft-drinks business to support herself and help care for her sister’s two children. She operates this business out of her own home. However, a painful swelling on her abdomen has begun interfering with the very business she depends on to survive. Maria underwent two abdominal operations, the first four years ago and the last one year ago. But for the past eight months, Maria continues to experience a painful swelling around her navel at the site of her previous abdominal surgery. The pain becomes particularly troublesome when she sits for long periods, laughs, or speaks. She has not received treatment for the swelling, and it has increasingly affected her ability to attend to her customers. At times, the pain becomes so severe that she has to close her business, losing the little income she depends on. On November 3rd, Maria will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. This procedure and care will cost $170, and Maria needs your help. Maria shares, “I have gone through two major operations, and the money I spent on treatment left me with almost nothing. Now I have this painful swelling, and sometimes I have to close my business because I cannot bear the pain. I depend on this small business to survive and to help care for my sister’s children, but I cannot afford another operation. I kindly appeal to the donors to help me receive the surgery I need. Your assistance would give me a chance to recover, return to my business, and continue caring for the children who depend on me. May God bless you for helping people like me who have nowhere else to turn.”

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."

Beatrice is a 46-year-old woman from Malawi. She and her husband have three children. Beatrice sells second-hand clothes to support her family. Five years ago, Beatrice began bleeding profusely and started to experience abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and was told that she would need to undergo a hysterectomy. She was booked for surgery on numerous occasions, but the surgeries never took place. Finally, Beatrice was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where she is now scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy on June 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Beatrice's surgery. Beatrice now has hope that the surgical operation will save her life. She believes surgery will help her resume her business and continue being a responsible mother. "I have tried all that I could, but have failed to be considered for surgery in government hospitals; unfortunately, my business cannot support my surgery, but only my family upkeep. Since I am the breadwinner, you are my last hope to save my life," said Beatrice.