Chorng is a 60-year-old soup cart owner from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, two sons, and eight other family members on the outskirts of the capital city of Phnom Penh. His younger son is at University and the older son helps run their soup cart. When not working, Chorng helps around the house and listens to traditional Cambodian music playlists from YouTube. Just over one year ago, Chorng had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Chorng experiences hearing loss, pain, and ear discharge. He is unable to hear his customers and relies on others to help him. He also has trouble communicating with his family and neighbors. Chorng traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 28th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chorng says, "I hope my hearing will improve. I want to be able to work more and talk with my customers."

Kondwani is a 34-year-old farmer and fisherman from Malawi. He is married with two sons aged twelve and seven years. Kondwani never went to school but is keen to support his children's education so they can have better opportunities in the future. Kondwani finds pleasure in fishing, and enjoys a meal of nsima made from cassava flour, and roasted fish. Six months ago, Kondwani was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The issue began with a minor swelling that led him to seek treatment at a local hospital. However, he was unable to receive immediate treatment because of the hospital's lengthy waiting list and his financial constraints. The swelling has since enlarged, causing him significant pain and making it difficult for him to perform his everyday tasks. Kondwani visited our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PiH), where he was examined and surgery recommended. Kondwani however lacks the funds required for the surgical procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Kondwani receive treatment. On April 16th, Kondwani will undergo hernia repair surgery at PiH, alleviating the pain and enabling Kondwani to live more comfortably and confidently after recovery. Now, Kondwani needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Kondwani says, “I look forward to continue working and supporting my family after surgery.”

Hla Moe is a 30-year-old man who lives with his parents, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and son in a village in Karen State, Burma. His family owns a paddy farm where most of them work. They use a small area of the farm to plant vegetables for themselves. They also raise chickens, pigs, and goats that they sell. Hla Moe stays at home to look after his son, while his wife lives in Mae Sot, Thailand, and works as a medic. In his free time, he likes to watch the news. Many years ago, Hla Moe experienced pain in his back and the left side of his abdomen. The pain became more frequent and severe, prompting him to seek medical treatment. Hla Moe was seen to have multiple stones in his left kidney and is recommended to have surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. Hla Moe is scheduled for surgery to remove the kidney stones on March 15th. He needs help raising $1,500 for the surgery. Hla Moe said, “I am lucky that there are donors who will support my treatment. Without your support, I would never be able to get treatment. I am thankful for all the support you’ve given me.”