Mike is a small-scale farmer and a father of seven from Uganda. Mike studied up to secondary school in class two before leaving school to get married. He and his wife practice small-scale farming and produce enough for their family's consumption. They shared that water is accessible at a cost because the region's natural water source is very far away. Mike's oldest kid is 26 years old, and his youngest is 14 and in primary school class five. Mike visited our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), due to a swelling on his back. The mass appeared about three years ago and has been increasing in size progressively. He has not visited a hospital in the past due to financial reasons, but the swelling has become painful, and he can no longer practice farming comfortably. Mike is concerned about what may happen in the future if he does not undergo treatment soon. Luckily, Mike could travel to AMH's care center to receive treatment. On May 3rd, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Mike needs help to raise $145 to fund this procedure. He shared: "I pray that I may get rid of the lipoma at my back through surgery to live a comfortable life again. I will continue with farming after complete recovery."

Gift is a 46-year-old married man with five children. His wife works in a hair salon while Gift is a farmer. Gift and his family live in Malawi in a rented house without water and electricity. Gift likes to go fishing in his free time. Last September, Gift noted a swelling in his right inguinal region that subsided when he was lying down. Gift was concerned and went to a doctor. Because it was difficult for him to talk about his condition with the doctor, he simply mentioned that he was experiencing abdominal pains and was provided with pain killers. Gift took the medicine he had been given, but returned to the doctor when his condition didn't improve. After being assessed, Gift was given a diagnosis of a right inguinal hernia and he was informed that he would need surgery. The frequency of episodes of swelling has increased and his ability to work and earn an income has been negatively affected. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the cost of Gift's treatment. On May 3rd, Gift will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Hospital. After he has recovered, Gift should be able to return to work and go fishing again. Gift believes the operation will improve his condition and enable him to continue caring for his family. Gift said: “It’s like I am dreaming. I can’t wait to get better and be a responsible father."

Maso, who is 57 years old, is a married man with ten children. Seven of his children are married, while Maso and his wife live with their three youngest in Malawi. Maso is a farmer, growing rice, maize, groundnuts, and cassava, which he sells to provide for his family. Last October, Maso began to notice intermittent swelling on the right side of his inguinal region. At first, he wasn't terribly concerned, as the swelling wasn't painful. Over time, however, the episodes of swelling increased, and Maso began to experience some discomfort, which interfered with his ability to work. Maso visited Nkhotakota Hospital in Malawi where he was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. Maso was informed he would need surgery to correct his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to fund Maso's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled for May 3rd, at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Maso is hopeful that the surgery will help him to get back to normal, free of his current symptoms. Maso said: “I am looking forward to surgery to get better.”