German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.

Tamiru is a 67-year-old farmer and father of seven from Ethiopia. After a lifetime of working the land to provide for his five sons and two daughters, he has become the resilient heart of a bustling household. Tamiru loves his work, but in recent years, medical issues have begun to get in the way. About five years ago, Tamiru noticed some swelling in his right elbow. The mass has grown over time, becoming increasingly painful and restrictive. It prevents him from grasping objects properly and severely limits the natural movement of his hand. Tamiru also feels a sharp tightness and deep discomfort every time he reaches, lifts, or swings a tool—movements that are essential for tilling the soil and harvesting his crops. For Tamiru, this struggle has been deeply frustrating. For him, his hands aren't just tools; they represent his livelihood, his independence, and the legacy he hopes to pass on to his children. Thankfully, Tamiru traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 14th, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Tamiru needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure. Tamiru shared, "I'm excited to get back to my full strength so I can lead my family with the same energy I’ve had for decades. I can't wait to work my fields again without that tight pressure in my arm. I want the freedom to do the heavy work I love without holding back."

Rashidah is a 26-year-old single mother of two children from Gomba District in Uganda. She is the sole provider for her family, and earns a living through small-scale farming. Rashidah and her children live in a modest one-room mud house, and the little income she earns is only sufficient to meet their basic daily needs, leaving no savings for specialised medical care. About two years ago, Rashidah noticed a swelling on the front of her neck. Over time, the swelling has progressively increased in size and has brought on troubling symptoms including persistent headaches, difficulty carrying heavy loads, and discomfort due to pressure on her airway making it difficult to breathe comfortably and perform her routine farming activities. Rashidah first sought medical care at a hospital close to her home. Although she was evaluated, she was unable to receive the required treatment because she could not afford the medical expenses. With no other option, she returned home discouraged and uncertain about her future. While travelling back from Gombe Hospital, Rashidah met a former beneficiary of the Watsi program, who encouraged her to seek specialised treatment at the hospital. Determined, Rashidah gathered all her savings and embarked on the long journey to Rushoroza Hospital. She travelled for over 10 hours by public transport, crossing over 15 districts before reaching the hospital in search of hope and healing. Upon arrival, Rashidah was warmly received by the medical team, and underwent thorough clinical assessments and investigations. She was diagnosed with a goitre, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The attending surgeon recommended a thyroidectomy as the definitive treatment. Unfortunately, Rashidah is unable to afford the cost of the recommended surgery. As a single mother surviving on subsistence farming, she has exhausted all her available resources simply reaching the hospital. She has no health insurance, no stable income, and no family financial support to enable her to undergo surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rashidah receive treatment. On July 23rd, she is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $333, and she and her family need help raising the funds. Rashidah says, "Every day, I worry that the swelling in my neck will continue to grow and make it harder for me to breathe and care for my children. I travelled many hours with the little money I had because I believed there was still hope. I humbly ask for your support to help me receive this surgery, regain my health, and continue raising my children. Your kindness will give my family a new beginning."