Phoeun is a 36-year-old construction worker from Cambodia, where he lives with his wife. When he isn’t working, he enjoys playing soccer and helping his wife on their farm. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), informs us that since Phoeun was five years of age, he has had recurring discharge from his left ear. The discharge is due to a cholesteatoma, which is a cholesterol-filled cyst that develops in the mid region of the ear. “I get ear discharge every day so I am upset. Sometimes I can't go to work because of pain in my ear,” shares Phoeun. CSC has informed us that, without treatment, this condition “causes hearing loss, pain, and tinnitus.” These complications can be eliminated with a mastoidectomy. During this procedure, portions of mastoid tissue near the ear will be removed in order to allow surgeons to remove the cyst. Treatment will cost $809, a fee that includes surgical and medical fees, meals during his stay in the hospital, and three post-surgical follow-ups. "After the operation I hope I stop having ear discharge and won't have any more ear pain,” shares Phoeun.

“Beautiful, confident, and composed are just a few of the impressions you get when you meet Dorcas,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare foundation (AMHF). Six-year old Dorcas is also one of the brightest pupils in her class, with aspirations to become a pilot. The last born in a family of five children in Kenya, Dorcas has suffered loss at an early age. At two-months old, Dorcas lost her only then surviving parent - her mother - to a brain tumor. Since then, Dorcas and her siblings are under the care of their elder sister who is only 20 years old. For three years, Dorcas was healthy, until she developed severe headaches, nosebleeds, and seizures, causing her to miss most of her classes. Her condition progressed until her sister had no choice but to reach out to a relative to bring Dorcas to the hospital, as she had no funds to bring her on her own. There, Dorcas was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “Dorcas is at high risk of increased intra-cranial pressure, which is likely to cause brain damage or even death," AMHF says. "She is also at risk of losing her eyesight.” With a small profit made by selling vegetables in a stall near their one room rental house, the family has no additional funds for Dorcas' treatment, and her symptoms are getting worse. Nearly two weeks ago, Dorcas’ left limbs became numb. Her mobility has become infrequent, and she staggers while she walks. $1,260 will pay for Dorcas’ brain surgery. AMHF says that with it, “Dorcas will be relieved from experiencing severe headaches, nose bleeds and seizures; she might also regain use of her hand and leg.” “If only I was informed earlier, maybe it could have been less severe...we are not too late though, Dorcas will be well again. Our plea is for financial help,” says Dorcas’ aunt.

Mi Mi, a 48-year-old woman from Burma, was recently diagnosed with uterine fibroids--noncancerous growths that develop on the uterus and cause abdominal pain. While she and her husband run a small shop from their home, Mi Mi's condition limits her everyday activities. Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP) explains, “Mi Mi feels lethargic and finds it difficult to breathe. Also she finds it difficult to move around. When she feels pain she leaves her work and her husband has to prepare and look after the shop.” “When Mi Mi walks a lot she has to stop because it is difficult to breathe well," BBP continues. "She can eat and sleep well but she has discomfort. Mi Mi is so worried because this is the first time she has had a major medical problem and is scared of the surgery, but she knows that she needs it.” For $1,500, Mi Mi will receive a total abdominal hysterectomy. This operation will remove her uterus and cervix--preventing the uterine fibroids from redeveloping in the future. In addition to alleviating her pain, this procedure will prevent Mi Mi from developing anemia by stopping any excessive bleeding caused by her condition. Mi Mi--who enjoys praying in her spare time--plans to return to helping her husband run their small shop after her recovery.

Meet four-year-old Samryll Ian from the Philippines. He dreams of one day becoming an engineer. Samryll Ian's mother is a saleswoman and his father is a fisherman. "Samryll is a shy boy but loves to play with his siblings," shares our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Samryll Ian has an anorectal malformation, a defect in the opening at the end of the large intestine through which stool passes. ICM shares, "He tends to be alone and not mingle with other children. Although he does not fully understand his condition, he is still positive that he could be well someday." Because his mother and father's job does not provide the family with a fixed income, the family cannot afford to fund treatment for his condition. For $965, Samryll Ian can receive treatment that will allow him to pass stool normally again. After treatment, "Samryll will have the confidence to play with the other children and pursue his dream to become an engineer," explains ICM. His mother adds, "We want to see him grow normally like any other kids in his school, so that he can fulfill his dreams in the future and help our family go out of poverty."

“Rasty Noel is a shy and timid boy, but he loves to play with his brothers and sisters,” shares our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Rasty Noel is a four-year-old boy from the Philippines. He was diagnosed with Hirschprung's disease, a congenital disorder of the abdomen caused by missing nerve cells in the colon which leads to a blockage in the lower intestine. "He had a colostomy before, and needs another treatment so that he can become better,” adds ICM. “His parents are trying their best to find other sources of income. However, they still can not afford treatment,” ICM continues. $965 will fund the surgery Rasty Noel needs to treat his condition. During the procedure, a doctor will use an endoscope to remove the blockage. The surgeon will then remove the tissue that is missing the nerves, and reconnect the healthy sections of the lower intestine. This approach is minimally invasive, and will allow Rasty Noel to regain his independence and be social at school again. “We are so thankful that you are here. This treatment will be our child's first step in becoming fully treated,” share Rasty Noel's parents.

Meet Tin, a 59-year-old wife and mother from Burma who raises cows, chickens, and pigs and plants vegetables near her house. Tin came to our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP) with an ovarian mass. “Six months ago, Tin noticed her first symptoms,” explains BBP. “At that time, she thought she had a stomachache.” Since then, Tin's abdominal pain has persisted, and she has begun to lose weight and feel nauseous whenever she eats. “Currently, Tin experiences pain in her abdomen and back, so she finds it difficult to walk,” says BBP. “She also experiences body pain and headaches, and sometime she gets tired and has difficulty breathing.” The combined income from Tin, her husband, and their adult daughter is enough to cover the family’s daily expenses, but they do not earn enough money to save, and they must borrow funds for health care. Tin’s five married children live in the same village and provide financial help whenever they can. The recommended treatment for Tin is an oophorectomy to remove the affected ovary. $1,500 covers the cost of the surgery as well as a seven-day hospital stay and one outpatient appointment post-surgery. After surgery, “Tin will not be in constant pain and will be able to work again and care for her family,” shares BBP. “I want to be well so that I can work for my family, save money, and have a happy family,” says Tin.

Meet Sao, a 40-year old father from Cambodia with a wife and three sons. Sao used to be an “avid runner, competing in several marathons,” shares our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). One year ago, Sao was in a car-moto accident that left him with a variety of fractures. Unfortunately, he has a fractured and infected left femur which hasn't properly joined back together because of a poorly done operation. “He walks with two crutches and cannot do anything to support his family,” says our CSC. For $405, we can fund an ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) surgery that will put the broken bone in place as well as place an internal fixation device on the bone. With the treatment, “the patient's femur will be able to heal properly and he eventually will be able to walk under his own power,” says CSC. “Sao wants to be able to work again to support his family,” concludes our medical partner. Let's help Sao get back on his feet!

Meet Francis, a 55-year-old man from Kenya with a wife and four children. “Francis comes from one of the most rural areas of Kenya,” says our medical partner, the African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Francis works as a laborer for the local city council, while his wife is a subsistence farmer. “On 8th July this year, Francis fell, sustaining a fracture of the left leg. He went to the hospital and the surgeon prescribed an ORIF [open reduction and internal fixation] to be done to fix the bones,” says the AMHF. Francis' family's income is not sufficient to cover the cost of the surgery, and if the fracture is not treated, Francis’ leg will never heal properly. For $1,125, we can fund the ORIF—a procedure in which a surgeon makes an incision to reach the bones and then moves them back into their normal position. Metal screws, plates, sutures, or rods are then placed on the bone to keep it in place while it heals. Funding will also cover lab costs, two weeks in the hospital, and ten days of physical therapy. Our medical partner expects that after the treatment, “the bones will unite and Francis will be able to use his leg again. Francis will be able to work and support his family.” Francis shares, “I am the hope of my family, therefore, I really hope that Watsi will assist me to be operated on. I hope my surgery will be successful.”

Vailet is a 42-year-old woman from Malawi who currently lives with cervical cancer. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine (WAM), runs a screening program for women in Malawi, and met Vailet when she came in for a routine visit. “The aim of the cervical cancer screening program is to find ladies like these in the early stages of the disease when they can receive surgery," shares WAM. "They can be prevented from developing disseminating cancer later on." Vailet’s case, however, is already developed and spreading. “There is no radiotherapy available in Malawi and chemotherapy is not recommended and not available either in Malawi," WAM adds. "The best option to manage her is therefore surgical intervention." Valiet is “very eager to have the surgery done, having traveled 80 miles to get the surgery done, but sees the financial aspect as a big hurdle to overcome.” Vailet is married with eight children and her family lives off a small piece of land that Vailet “cultivates herself by hand with a hoe with no tractor or any other equipment to assist,” WAM continues. Vailet needs a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) for $613. A TAH is the removal of the uterus and cervix, which WAM hopes will fully heal Vailet of her cervical cancer. If left untreated, Vailet's cancer will continue to spread, causing pain and other unpleasant symptoms. With a successful surgery, WAM expects that Vailet will be fully cured. She is an extremely hardworking woman, and she will be able to continue supporting herself and her family.

"Allan is a bubbly and likable three-year old boy," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "He has a twin brother and an elder sister who is twelve years old. They live with their parents in a three-room house in their paternal home. His mother is a shop attendant while his father is a casual worker on construction sites." Allan was born with hypospadias -- his urethral orifice is abnormally placed and he has an irregular stream. His family was advised to seek specialized care, but they cannot afford the $1,155 cost of treatment. Surgery will restore normal function, as well as lower Allan's risk of developing urinary tract infections, and infertility in the future. “I pray that God will not with hold His mercy from us. May his love be with our son through this," Allan's mother shares.

“We are very grateful to the cardiac team and everyone who is helping Marchelie become well,” Marchelie’s parents tell us. Meet Marchelie, a one-year-old baby girl from Haiti. “Marchelie was born with a cardiac condition: patent ductus arteriosus, in which a hole between two parts of the heart that normally exist in a fetus but closes naturally at birth remains open,” explains our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA). “As a result, blood flows through this hole without first obtaining oxygen from the lungs. Marchelie is very sickly and underweight because of this condition.” Marchelie is the first-born to her mother and father and was born prematurely. Due to her condition, Marchelie “has spent most of her life in and out of hospitals and her parents have been extremely devoted to her care,” HCA continues. “They are excited to see her become healthy and happy.” $1,500 will fund the surgery to repair the defect in Marchelie’s heart. “Following closure of the defect, blood should flow normally through Marchelie’s heart and she should be restored to health,” HCA adds.

Meet Korduni, a four-year-old boy living in Tanzania. Korduni is a quiet boy who likes to sit aside and watch the other children play. Ever since he was involved in a fire accident while playing with his friends, "Korduni has been afraid of playing because he thinks that the same thing will happen again," explains our partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Korduni’s parents keep livestock and every now and then they would collect all the dry cow dung in a pile and burn it, leaving a layer of white ash on the ground. While playing, one of his friends pushed him, causing Korduni's right foot to get burned. He developed severe burn scar contracture of the toes and because of this, his toes are pulling upward. This affects the way he walks and makes it difficult for Korduni to wear shoes. If not treated, Korduni’s gait cannot improve and as he grows older, he will experience increased pain on his foot. Korduni is a part of a polygamous family, which means that his parents are responsible of taking care of many people. Their small income is not enough to cover their daily expenses and the cost of Korduni's operation. His father states, "It was very unfortunate that our boy had a fire accident. If there is anything that can be done to restore the position of our son’s toes we’ll be very happy to see him able to wear shoes and walk the way he used to." For $550, Korduni will receive a single contracture release surgery which will allow him to wear shoes and help improve his gait. Let's help Korduni so he can play with his friends again and enjoy his childhood!