Sebastiano is a 77-year-old lifelong farmer from Lilongwe, Malawi. He is married and has eight children, all of whom are now grown and living with their own families. Though his children are independent, Sebastiano continues to farm sweet potatoes, maize, sugar cane, and vegetables, selling what he can to support his household and maintain his independence.
One morning, Sebastiano woke up with a strong urge to urinate but could only pass very little urine. The pain and discomfort continued for two days until his eldest son took him to a nearby health centre, where he was catheterised and given medication. The relief was temporary. By mid-December, his condition worsened, and his family decided to take him to our medical partner’s care center, Nkhoma Mission Hospital. At Nkhoma, doctors examined him and performed an ultrasound.
Sebastiano was diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate that blocks urine flow. He was advised to undergo an open prostatectomy, a surgery to remove the enlarged portion of the prostate and restore normal function. Sebastiano’s family managed to raise some money toward his treatment, but it is not enough to cover the full cost. After a lifetime of hard work, Sebastiano now needs our help to receive this essential surgery and return to a life free from pain and discomfort.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund the procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on January 8th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Sebastiano’s quality of life.
Sebastiano said, “I wish to heal so I can return to my farm, live without pain, and enjoy the days God still gives me with my wife and family.”

