Catherine is a 38-year-old woman from Malawi. She was born into a family of six children, but tragically, both her parents passed away. Catherine presently works as a sales representative and lives alone, but has two dependents: one in secondary school and the other in primary school. Four years ago, Catherine began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling and pain in the neck. More recently, the pain has worsened, affecting both her shoulders which is greatly impacting her well-being. She sought medical attention at a local hospital where different tests were done. She was diagnosed with a goiter and was scheduled for surgery. In the waiting period, Catherine was advised by a friend to seek medical treatment at our partner care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH). On April 22nd, she was reviewed at PIH and the goiter diagnosis was confirmed. The surgeon recommended a thyroidectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. However, Catherine is unable to afford the surgical treatment costs. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare, is helping Catherine receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on May 7th to relieve the pain and swelling, and prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Now, Catherine needs help to fund this $1,015 procedure. Catherine says: "Facing the hurdles of life alone has not dimmed my determination. Despite the challenges, I am hopeful that I will overcome this obstacle and I am committed to providing for my dependents. With the upcoming surgery, I see a path back to normalcy, where I can excel in my role as a sales representative and confidently pursue my goals once more."

Chrispine is a four-year-old boy from Malawi. He has two other siblings, one twin brother and one sister. His mother Everes, had two sets of twins, but tragically lost one of the girls shortly after birth. Christpine's mother sells vegetables and her husband is a farm worker. Chrispine likes playing and enjoys all kinds of food. Chrispine was born with bilateral inguinal hernia, which are lumps on both sides of the lower abdomen resulting from a weakness of the abdominal wall. His mother has been awaiting for an opportunity for surgery at a nearby hospital, but recently Chrispine has been experiencing a lot of pain. The condition has also affected his mother's ability to work, which has caused an income reduction for the family. A former beneficiary of the surgery support program at our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Centre, advised the family to seek help there. The diagnosis of bilateral inguinal hernia was confirmed and the need for a surgical intervention emphasized. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Chrispine receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery, after which Chrispine is expected to make a full recovery. Now, Chrispine's family needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Chrispine's mother says, “I am grateful for the entire support given to my son and I am finally looking forward to surgery that will bring the long-awaited healing.”

Marise is a 13-year-old student, living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with her parents and four siblings. Marise has a cardiac condition called congenital aortic valve stenosis. As a result of this condition, one of the four valves in Marise's heart is much narrower than it should be, making her heart strain to push blood through the valve. This leaves Marise weak, and unable to participate in physical activities. The care she needs is not available in Haiti so Marise will fly to the Dominican Republic, where on February 9th, she will undergo surgery at Hospital CEDIMAT, during which her valve will be repaired. While another organization is helping to support the cost of Marise's surgery, our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to cover her care costs including pre and post operative medical care, and travel expenses for Marise's family, and the social worker who will accompany them for her surgery. Marise shared: "I am looking forward to being able to stop worrying about my heart after surgery."