Two-year-old Jimmy is the last born child in a family of five children from Lilongwe District in Malawi. Jimmy's parents are small-scale farmers, growing maize for consumption and income for the family. Jimmy has for some time been experiencing on-and-off pain and swelling on the left side of his inguinal region. Worried, his mother brought him to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Jimmy was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, and surgery was recommended. However, his mother expressed that the family would not be able to afford the cost of surgery. If left untreated, Jimmy will continue experiencing pain and the condition might lead to a strangulated hernia, cutting off blood flow, which can be life-threatening. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jimmy receive treatment. On April 10th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a hernia repair surgery to alleviate Jimmy's pain, and prevent any potential risks and complications. Now, Jimmy's family needs help to fund this $421 procedure. Jimmy’s mother says, “It is my wish for my son to receive treatment and get well soon.”

Chea is a 22-year-old from Cambodia who is eager to start working again. He lives in Phnom Penh province with his sister and her husband, who are drink sellers outside the local vegetable market. Before his motorbike accident, he worked as a carpenter's assistant and enjoyed playing football. Now, he just stays home. In August 2022, Chea was in a traffic accident and fractured the mid-shaft of his right femur in his leg. He went to a local trauma hospital and had metalwork inserted into his femur to support healing. He has a constant ache in the leg and hopes that after the removal of the metal, he can complete rehabilitation of his leg. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 9th, Chea will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. In the future, he hopes to be able to find work after removing the metal from his leg. Chea said: "I want to make sure my leg is strong so I can find work again, and have no infection and no pain."

Borey is a 28-year-old father who lives alongside his wife in Takeo province. They recently celebrated the arrival of their daughter, now a delightful 10-month-old. They both work as wait staff in a local restaurant and take turns caring for their daughter. When not working or caring for his precious daughter, Borey likes to play basketball with his friends. On and off for the last 11 years, Borey has had an ear infection. He bought medicine at the local pharmacy, but the infection always returned. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in the right ear to perforate, which has caused hearing loss and tinnitus. His ear pain makes it hard for Borey to sleep at night, and his hearing loss makes it difficult to hear others speak at work. Borey worries he will not hear his daughter if she cries. Borey traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 5th, he will undergo a myringoplasty in his right ear. During this operation, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Borey said: "I hope this operation will stop the ear infections and I can hear better than before."