Ashan is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with six children; five of them married, and one who is a secondary school student. Ashan lives with his wife, their last born child and four grandchildren. To support his family, he cultivates maize and beans, and also rears domestic animals like goats and chicken. Three months ago, Ashan started experiencing trouble with urination and bowel movements. He decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where a catheter was placed. The solution worked for some time but later on, he started experiencing pain at the catheter site, and it became increasingly difficult for him to walk long distances and engage in his farming activities. He went back to the hospital where he was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate. Surgery was recommended, but Ashan could not afford the cost of the procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Ashan receive treatment. On April 16th, Ashan will undergo a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. The surgery will help treat his condition and improve his quality of life after recovery. Ashan and his family are able to contribute $87 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Ashan says,” I am looking forward to feeling better after the treatment.”

Paul is a 48-year-old married man and a father of two children from Kenya. He and his wife are from Kiambu County, about 3 kilometers from Nazareth Hospital. Both Paul and his wife work on tea farms. They live in a rented single room, and work hard to provide for and educate their children. Their first-born child began her secondary education on February 12th. Paul and his wife, with the collective effort of neighbors, raised funds for her schooling. Paul and his wife are working to send their second-born child to secondary school as well. Unfortunately, Paul was hit by a drunk motorcyclist when going home on February 11th. He was hit on the right leg and bruised his face. After Paul obtained first aid at a local clinic, his neighbor brought him to a larger hospital via motorbike. An x-ray showed Paul had an open fracture of the tibia/fibula of the right leg and is currently in a lot of pain. On February 15th, Paul will undergo a fracture repair procedure to enable him to use his leg and avoid complications including infection. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1049 to fund this procedure. Paul says, "Our life has not been easy, and even getting money to come to the hospital was not possible; at least our neighbor was kind enough to bring me to Nazareth Hospital. I appeal for support so that I can walk again and at least join my wife in our casual job so that we can continue supporting ourselves and our children."

Justine is an engaging and friendly woman from Uganda. She and her husband have five children and farm for a living. Due to limited land, they grow enough food to feed their family and sell the surplus to generate an income. During her free time, Justine enjoys caring for her family and home through cooking and cleaning. For two years, Justine has been experiencing lower abdominal pain, discomfort, severe backaches, and other worrisome symptoms. Due to limited finances, she has not sought medical attention before, but when her symptoms became unbearable and she could no longer work, Justine came to our medical partner's hospital. The doctor diagnosed her with uterine myomas and recommended she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. On February 28th, she will undergo gynecological surgery that will allow her to resume her daily activities free of pain once she recovers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $219 to fund Justine's surgery. Justine said, "My faith is strong that, when given a chance of your support, I will be operated on and get better. I hope to regain my strength to resume farming in good health."