Oscar is a 28-year-old married man from a village in Lilongwe District in Malawi. He has a young child who is not yet of school age, and relies on small-scale farming to support the family by growing maize, groundnuts, and keeping livestock. One year ago, Oscar noticed an itch in his throat and a slight hoarseness in his voice, initially thinking he was developing a cough. However, he later discovered a small painful swelling that has been gradually getting larger. He did not seek medical help as he had no funds to pay for treatment until his mother heard about a care program when she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Oscar was diagnosed with goiter, and was scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy surgery. The condition has negatively affected his life as the swelling is painful and sometimes, he experiences shortness of breath. Treatment will relieve him of these symptoms, improving the quality of his life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is helping Oscar receive treatment at their care center. On March 7th surgeons will perform thyroid surgery so he can regain his health. Now, he needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Oscar says, “Thank you for this opportunity, I am looking forward to treatment and recovery.”

Piseth lives with his mother and two siblings in Kampong Cham province. He shared that his father is not in his life. Both his younger brother and sister work in construction. Before his tragic accident, he was also employed in construction and enjoyed playing football with his friends. In April 2023, he was involved in a high-speed motorbike collision, fracturing his right clavicle, right forearm, right femur, and right kneecap. He sought treatment at a local hospital, but after six months, he was unable to use his arm and hand due to paralysis and was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre at Kien Khleang. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to work and grapples with the challenges of this devastating injury, rendering him unable to use his arm or hand. The impact of this physical limitation has taken a toll on his emotional well-being, resulting in a significant state of depression. Piseth traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On February 2nd, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to be able to use his arm and hand again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund his procedure. Piseth shared: "I hope I can work with my hands again so I can support myself and not only rely on my family."

Ireen is a 24-year-old single mother from Malawi. To support her family, Ireen grows maize. While fetching firewood, Ireen fell and fractured her elbow. Because of the pain, she is unable to perform daily tasks and work on the farm. If left untreated, it may result in the non-union of the fractured bone. She is scheduled for surgery on March 12th and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $525 for her surgery and care. Treatment will relieve Ireen of the pain and help her resume working on her farm again. Ireen says, “I hope to receive treatment so that I can take care of my child.”