Sostine is a 26-year-old waitress. Sostine is the second oldest of 6 children. She lost her parents and three siblings at a young age and could not proceed with her school past grade 6 due to a lack of teachers. She lives alone and works at a local eatery to make ends meet. For two years, Sostine has had an epigastric hernia. She experiences pain and strain when she has to bend or do anything strenuous. She experiences discomfort and pain when she tries to eat a full meal. She came to Nyakibale hospital for care and was recommended surgery as treatment. She appeals for help to undergo surgery. Fortunately, on February 7th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Sostine's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Sostine says, “I wish my health can be brought back to normal so that I can continue with my work and live a better quality of life.”

Kayden is an eight-month-old baby boy from Kenya. He is the second born in a family of two children. His mother works as a hotel attendant and is unable to afford the proposed surgery Kayden needs. Kayden was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. His mother noticed the growing lump on his back and sought medical advice at a Catholic Medical Facility in Kariobangi, Nairobi, Kenya. There, she was referred to BethanyKids, where he was examined by the neurological team. Without treatment, Kayden is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1151 to cover the cost of Kayden's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 8th. This procedure will hopefully spare Kayden from the risks associated with his condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Kayden's mother says, “His condition has caused me immense mental stress, which has resulted in an increase in my blood pressure. Due to this condition, I am forced to hide him from people. I hope he gets this treatment to be healthy again like kids his age.”

Thomas, who is 45 years old, is a married man from Zebedia Village, Mozambique, who has six children. He is a farmer who grows maize, groundnuts, and tobacco to support his family. In 2022, Thomas started experiencing severe abdominal pain and swelling in his abdomen. He visited several health centers and was given medicine that did not improve his condition; instead, the swelling kept increasing in size. Thomas then decided to visit Nkhoma Hospital, where he was diagnosed with an abdominal mass, which needs to be further investigated. With help from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, Thomas is now scheduled to undergo a laparotomy at Nkhoma Hospital on May 3rd. Thomas needs your help to fund this $709 procedure, which will enable doctors to diagnose his condition and develop a treatment plan. Without the surgery, Thomas' condition will continue to deteriorate, affecting his ability to work, and potentially endangering his life. Thomas says: “I am looking forward to a full recovery so that I can work to support my family.”