65-year-old Masitala is has spent most of his life working the land in Dedza District in Malawi. A husband and father of seven children, six of whom now have families of their own, he has always relied on farming maize and soya beans to provide for his household. Eight months ago, the simple life he values began to change. Masitala started experiencing difficulty passing urine. As the condition worsened, he found himself making repeated visits to health facilities, where he received medication and catheterisation to manage the symptoms. While these measures brought temporary relief, they did not solve the underlying problem. Month after month, he continued living with discomfort, uncertainty, and the inconvenience of relying on a catheter. The condition made it harder for him to focus on farming and the daily responsibilities that help sustain his family. After several hospital visits, clinicians advised him to seek treatment at our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he could access surgical care. Determined to find a lasting solution, Masitala made the journey despite having very little money. Unable to afford transportation, he walked for nearly three hours to reach the hospital. At Nkhoma Hospital, doctors diagnosed him with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and advised that he requires an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function and improve his quality of life. For Masitala, the diagnosis brought hope but also worry. The surgery he needs is beyond what he can afford. Like many small-scale farmers, his income depends on the harvest, and the resources available to him are barely enough to meet his family's basic needs. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund the procedure for Masitala. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on June 3rd and, once completed, it will hopefully improve his quality of life. Masitala hopes that surgery will free him from months of discomfort and allow him to return to the fields, care for his family, and enjoy life without the burden of illness. He says, “I have endured this condition for many months because I had no other choice. I walked all the way to the hospital because I believed there would be help for me here. My wish is to get treated, and return to my family healthy and able to work again.”

Maria Fernanda is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. She is a sweet, kind-hearted girl full of dreams who enjoys spending time with others and leaves a special impression on everyone she meets. Her optimistic spirit and her ability to face challenges with courage are an inspiration to her family and to those who accompany her on her journey. Three years ago, Maria Fernanda was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Umbilical hernias usually cause mild tenderness or discomfort around the navel, which becomes more noticeable when the child cries, coughs, or exerts himself. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. On October 20th, Maria Fernanda will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Maria Fernanda's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow her to live more comfortably. Maria Fernanda's mother said, "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people who are supporting her surgery. Thank you for extending your generous hand without even knowing her personally; that gesture is, without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of human kindness. May God abundantly bless your life and that of your family. Your support not only helps us meet a medical need but also restores our hope and peace of mind, knowing that María Fernanda will be able to receive the care she needs. We will always be grateful for this act of love and solidarity."

Fabiano is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third child in a family of eight children. His parents depend on small-scale farming and seasonal work to support the household, which makes it difficult to afford advanced surgical care. Despite these challenges, Fabiano remains active and motivated. He attends primary school and performs well in class. He enjoys reading and participating in group discussions, and he hopes to become a religious leader in the future. When he was one year old, Fabiano sustained a burn injury to his hand in a household fire. He received first aid at a nearby clinic, but as the wound healed, thick scar tissue formed and tightened, limiting the movement of his fingers and thumb. The contracture in his hand makes it difficult for him to write for long periods, grip objects firmly, and participate fully in practical school activities. His doctors recommend an amputation of the forth finger on his right hand and contracture release for the other fingers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Fabiano's surgery. After recovering, Fabiano is looking forward to doing his daily tasks such as holding tools, carrying items, and helping with chores. Fabiano says, “I want to use my hand like other students—to write well in class and hold things without pain. Treatment will help me continue my studies with confidence.”

Innocent is a cheerful one-year-old boy from Uganda, who brings joy to everyone around him. He loves to smile and, when he is feeling well, rarely spends a moment without expressing his happiness. He lives with his parents, who are small-scale farmers and rely on a limited income to meet their needs. Innocent is their only child, and the family has been doing their best to care for him despite financial challenges. Innocent was born with a condition known as non-palpable testis, meaning one of his testicles has not descended into the scrotum. His mother also noticed a swelling in his scrotal sac. Concerned about his condition, his parents first sought help at a local clinic, where they were advised to visit a larger hospital for specialized care. Innocent’s family was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital, for further evaluation. Upon arrival, he was reviewed by doctors and underwent diagnostic imaging. The surgical team confirmed that he has right cryptorchidism (undescended testis). To correct this condition and prevent future complications, the surgeon has recommended an orchidopexy procedure to reposition the undescended testis into its proper place, improving Innocent’s long-term health and development. Fortunately, Innocent has been scheduled for corrective surgery on June 2nd at Rushoroza Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $220 to fund Innocent's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life, and reduce the risk of infertility or testicular cancer. Innocent's mother says, "I pray to God that my son will get the support he needs to undergo the recommended surgery, so that he can live a healthier and happy life with no pain."

Pong is a cheerful 11-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampot Province with his parents and two siblings. His father works as a reporter at a radio station, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is the middle child of three children. He is in the fifth grade and enjoys mathematics. He dreams of becoming an army officer when he grows up. During his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends in the village and likes eating fried onions with beef. Pong has camptodactyly of the left thumb, a congenital condition affecting the proximal phalanx of his left first finger. This limits the movement of his thumb and causes pain when he tries to bend it. This affects his ability to use his hand normally for schoolwork, daily activities, and play. Pong's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. On May 20th, Pong will undergo surgery on his hand that will improve his strength and mobility. Now, he needs help to fund this $582 procedure. Pong's mother said, “I pray that this surgery will help straighten his finger, improve its movement, and allow him to use his hand more normally and confidently in his daily life.”

Hlaing is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his mother and two nephews in Tak Province, Thailand. Originally from Kachin State, Burma, his family fled to Thailand due to the civil war in Burma. Hlaing is unemployed and attends a Thai language school. His mother manages household chores, while his nephews are high school students at a migrant school. The family’s only income comes from Hlaing’s sister, who lives elsewhere and works as a shop vendor, sending them money monthly. This amount is just enough to cover the family's daily expenses. On October 10, 2025, Hlaing had an accident while going to the market. A CT scan of his head revealed a minimal subdural hematoma and multiple facial bone fractures. He needs surgery to facilitate the healing of his facial bone fractures, including the right cheekbone and chin. Currently, Hlaing’s superficial abrasion wounds have healed well, and he can eat and sleep. However, due to the head injury and multiple facial fractures, he experiences pain and difficulty chewing solid foods. These challenges have left him feeling guilty and burdened by his family’s situation. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Hlaing will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for November 7th and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Hlaing be free from pain while eating and be able to eat properly again. Hlaing shared softly, “After fully recovering, I will find a job and save money to support my mother and my nephews.”

Jai is a six-month-old baby boy from Burma. Jai lives with his parents, grandmother, and aunt in northern Thailand. His father is a vegetable vendor for his employer, his mother is a homemaker, and his grandmother is retired. Two months ago, Jai appeared to be experiencing reduced vision with a white spot in both of his pupils. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes. Doctors recommend enucleation, the removal of the eye, to treat this condition. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund this surgery. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 6th at our medical partner's care center, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Once completed, Jai will hopefully live more comfortably. Jai's father shared, "He is my firstborn. I feel sad, and I don't want him to suffer from this condition. I am the only one working, but I accompanied him and his mother for his treatment, and I cannot work during this time."

Vortey is a 26-year-old receptionist from Cambodia. She lives with her father, five siblings, her husband, and her 6-month-old daughter in Phnom Penh. Her father is an army officer, and her husband works as a police officer. Her siblings have different jobs in the city to support the family, while her youngest brother is still studying in grade 12. Vortey currently works as a receptionist at a small medical clinic in Phnom Penh, and enjoys spending time with her baby at home. When she was around 15 years old, Vortey had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum. For this reason, Vortey experiences tinnitus, ear pain, and occasional bleeding from her ear. This condition makes it difficult for her to hear, especially on the left side, which affects her daily conversations and causes discomfort. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Vortey receive treatment. On May 12th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Her family can contribute $50 but needs help to raise $876 more for Vortey's procedure and care. Vortey shared, “I hope I can solve this issue so I can take better care of my family and do my job better."

Flossy is 47 years old and a single mother of two from Malawi. She sells secondhand clothes and, sometimes, works in construction. For five years, Flossy has been experiencing abdominal pains, backache, and heavy bleeding. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. But since the fibroids were very small, she was sent back home. The pain and bleeding have gotten worse, and doctors have advised her to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, requests $1,363 to fund Flossy's surgery. On April 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Flossy will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Flossy said, "I am tired of these symptoms since they are disturbing my daily activities. I don't have as much energy as before, and I need your support to get back on my feet."

Irina is a little girl from Bolivia. She lives in the eastern part of Bolivia with her mother, who is a homemaker; her father, who is a baker; and her older sister. Irina's parents noticed she was always tired when breastfeeding and could not sleep well because had a hard time breathing. They took her to a doctor who informed them that she needed urgent surgery. Irina has a cardiac condition called Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return. This is a congenital heart condition where the pulmonary veins do not connect to the left atrium as they should. It leads to low oxygen levels in the body, typically requiring surgical intervention shortly after birth. She also has a hole between the two upper chambers of her heart. On March 5th, Irina will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will connect the pulmonary veins to the left upper heart chamber. They will also close the hole between the upper heart chambers. Irina's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to help cover the costs of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Irina's mother shared, "I was looking everywhere for help. I am glad we are finally here so my little daughter can have her surgery! I'm so grateful to all the people who are helping me and my daughter."

Milagros is a cheerful and energetic six-month-old girl who lives in Medellín, Colombia, with her mother and grandmother. In their family unit, her mother is the only person who works. Milagros enjoys playing, making sounds, exploring colors, and eating. Her diet includes puree, fruits, water, a bottle, soup, and cookies. Milagros was born prematurely at 32 weeks. About a month after her birth, while changing her diaper at the hospital, her mother noticed a lump on the lower part of her abdomen. She informed the doctors, who did an ultrasound and confirmed the diagnosis of a large right inguinal hernia. Milagros needs a hernia repair surgery, which would improve her quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is helping Milagros receive treatment. On February 28th, she will undergo a hernia repair surgery to treat her condition. Now, Milagros family needs help to fund this $786 procedure. Milagros's mother says, "I don't have enough words to describe our gratitude to the supporters providing Milagros a better quality of life. Your gesture is a relief for our family, and a source of hope in this critical time in our life."