Jojina, a single mother from Malawi, is 52 years old and has five children ranging in age from 15 to 29. They all live together in a two bedroom house, in addition to Jojina's mother, her uncle who is blind, and her four grandchildren. She earns a living by brewing and selling a local brew. Fifteen years ago, Jojina noted a small swelling on her neck that was not painful at the time. At first, she thought it would go away on its own, but it instead got bigger. She visited different herbalists to no avail. In 2022, she visited a nearby hospital, and was referred to the regional hospital, where after examinations, a diagnosis of goiter was made. She was sent home and asked to wait for her surgery date. Early this year, she started experiencing breathlessness and neck pain. She is presently unable to carry heavy items on her head and can no longer work as usual, which has significantly reduced her income. Jojina made a decision to visit our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), after hearing that other people with similar problems had been assisted at the center. Early this month, her diagnosis was confirmed at PIH and a surgical intervention called thyroidectomy was recommended. Jojina could however not afford the cost of treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jojina receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at PIH will perform a thyroidectomy to alleviate pain and discomfort, and allow Jojina to resume work and continue supporting her family. Now, Jojina needs help to fund this $1,015 procedure. Jojina says, “I am patiently waiting to be free from my symptoms, be able to work pain-free, and carry items on my head after surgery.”

Jayden is a 15-month-old baby - full of smiles and jovial. However, it's difficult for him to pass urine, which was diagnosed at birth. He is the only son and his mother is a single parent who is still in school pursuing a hairdressing course. They both live at his grandmother’s home in Western Kenya. Jayden's grandmother works as a laborer getting work when she can. Jayden was born with hypospadias, a birth condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and infertility. Fortunately, Jayden is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $847 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Jayden's mother says, “My child deserves to grow as a normal kid. The good thing is that this condition can be rectified and he can heal.”

Visal is a five-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, older sister, and grandmother. Visal's father is a construction worker, while his mother is a garment factory worker. His grandmother stays at home to care for him while his parents work. Visal's parents hope that he can go to school soon. His favorite meal is fried chicken and vegetables. At home, Visal enjoys spending his free time playing soccer with his friends in the village. Since birth, Visal has been unable to fully extend his fingers as they are fixed in a bent position. This condition is making it difficult for him to grasp objects or use his hand comfortably. His parents are worried he will have difficulty when he starts school. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. Visal is scheduled for contracture release surgery on April 22nd. Visal's family is able to contribute $100 but still needs $387 to fund this procedure. Visal's mother said, “I hope Visal can use his hand before he starts school."