Falesi is 43 years old and a mother of six children from Malawi. She lives with four of her children. As a single mother, she works as a domestic worker, doing all she can to provide for her children and keep them in school. In January 2026, Falesi began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small lump on the right side of her neck. At first, she did not think much of it, but over time it grew larger. As it increased in size, it began to affect her daily life. She started experiencing chest pains and frequent headaches. At times, she struggled to eat and swallow properly, making even simple meals difficult. Worried about her condition, she went to the hospital, where doctors examined her. She was diagnosed with a thyroid cystic mass. The thyroid is the gland located in front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Falesi needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $491 to fund Falesi's treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on April 16th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland to restore her health. Falesi said, “I believe this surgery will improve my life greatly. I want to be strong again so I can continue caring for my children. This support gives me hope that I will be well again.”

Sakun is 85 years old and a mother of seven children from Cambodia. She lives in a small neighborhood in Takeo province with her third daughter, who works as a farmer. Her other children are married and live in nearby villages. Although her family lives close by, she relies heavily on her daughter for daily support, as she has no job and very limited financial resources. Despite these challenges, she finds peace in simple moments, especially when listening to monks' sermon in her free time. Sakun recently slipped and fell in her bedroom, resulting in a left femoral neck fracture on her hip. Since the injury, she has been in severe pain and is unable to walk, leaving her completely dependent on others for mobility and even basic daily activities. The sudden loss of independence has been both physically and emotionally difficult for her. Sakun was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. On March 18th, Sakun will undergo a hip hemiarthroplasty procedure, which will cost $712, covering both surgery and post-operative care. During the procedure, surgeons will operate on her left hip to stabilize the fracture, relieve her pain, and restore her ability to walk. This surgery offers her not only physical healing, but also the hope of regaining her independence, rebuilding her strength, and returning to her normal daily life with dignity and renewed hope. Sakun said, “After the surgery, I hope I can walk again without pain, regain my strength, and return to my daily life with independence and hope for the future.”

Kena is eight-year-old energetic boy from Ethiopia. Kena is in the second grade and lives with his parents and his sister, but lately, his presence at school has been missed due to recurring bouts of tonsillitis. This chronic condition has temporarily sidelined him, pausing both his education and playtime. Two years ago, Kena began experiencing snoring, fever and recurring sore throats. This creates a difficult cycle of sick days that keeps him out of class and fun, active games he should be playing with his sister. He also experiences high fevers that keep coming back and a sharp, burning pain whenever he tries to swallow. This makes eating and drinking a daily struggle, often leaving him feeling completely exhausted and without energy. Kena was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Thankfully, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital can help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kena, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kena of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Kena says "I am so excited for the opportunity to get back to school and play with my friends. I really miss eating the snacks I love! Because of my tonsils, swallowing feels like a sharp fire, which makes eating feel like hard work. I know my mom and dad are worried, and I think the best part for them will be seeing me smile and run around with all my energy again."

Panha is a nine-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who sell groceries in a small booth, and his younger brother, who is two years old. He is in the 5th grade, and enjoys studying mathematics, eating fried pork, playing football with his friends in the village, and doing his homework. He dreams of becoming a police officer when he grows up. Recently, while playing with his friends, Panha fell and fractured his left elbow. He is experiencing significant pain, has difficulty moving his arm, and is unable to lift his hand, which makes daily activities and schoolwork challenging. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 5th, Panha will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $600. This treatment will help relieve his pain, restore movement of his left arm, and allow him to use his hand easily again so he can return to school and focus on his studies. Panha's mother said, “After the surgery, I hope my son will be able to use his hand easily again and be free from pain, so he can grow healthy and focus more on his studies.”

Moses is a 27-year-old man from Kenya. He is single and lives with his parents. He earns a living selling second-hand shoes, while his father works as a construction worker. On January 1st, 2026, Moses was involved in a road accident. He was traveling on a motorbike when another motorbike lost control and struck him on the right side, causing injuries to his right arm and right leg. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where first aid was administered, and he was subsequently discharged. Moses later came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further treatment and has since undergone several surgeries to manage injuries to his arm and leg. His recovery has been steady; however, further imaging revealed that his jaw was fractured and requires a mandible ORIF. Since the accident, Moses has been unable to open his mouth and has been on a liquid diet. He is currently in pain and requires surgery, but his insurance coverage has been fully exhausted. The family already has an outstanding hospital bill and has been unable to raise additional funds. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 16th, Moses will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will enable him to undergo the necessary surgery, begin his recovery, and resume a normal diet. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Moses says, “I am in constant pain. My mouth feels stuck, and I haven’t been able to eat properly since the accident.”

Ayami is a 67-year-old father of eight children from Malawi. Four of his children are casual workers, while the rest are school-going. Ayami is a carpenter; however, due to his worsening condition, he has been unable to engage in work, leading to a significant reduction in his daily income. For three years, Ayami has had bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. At first, the condition was characterized by small intermittent swellings. Over time, however, the frequency of these swelling episodes increased and were accompanied by pain. About five months ago, Ayami sought medical attention and was scheduled for surgical repair. However, his scheduled date of surgery kept changing due to the workload at the public hospital, and Ayami was advised to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH). Upon review at PIH, his diagnosis was confirmed and surgery was recommended. Ayami firmly believes that surgical intervention will restore his health, comfort, and dignity. He hopes that successful surgery will allow him to live the remaining years of his life in peace and good health alongside his children and grandchildren. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ayami receive treatment. On May 6th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery, allowing him to live a healthier life. Ayami is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $667 to fund the surgery. He says: "I can't wait to be better after surgery. I have hope that your support will change my life, and help me to concentrate on my work so I can continue supporting my family."

Ashley is a 15-year-old student from Kenya. On her way back to boarding school after the Christmas holidays, the bus she was in was involved in a road accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway at around midday. The bus was carrying Ashley and other students from her school. Following the accident, well-wishers rushed the students to the hospital. Upon arrival at our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, Ashley underwent an X-ray that revealed a fracture and a deep cut on one of the fingers of her right hand. Ashley is in significant pain and discomfort. Her doctors recommended that a debridement surgery needed to be performed within 24 hours. If the surgery is delayed, she is at risk of losing her finger. Ashley's parents shared how distressing it has been to watch their daughter endure so much pain. Ashley’s father, in particular, is financially overwhelmed, coming immediately after the festive season and during the back-to-school period. In their current situation, the family is unable to raise the funds required for the emergency surgery. Ashley’s family is therefore appealing for medical and financial support to enable her to undergo the procedure. They are trusting that with timely treatment, Ashley will recover fully and return to school. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ashley receive treatment. On January 7th, she will undergo a surgical procedure at AIC Kijabe Hospital to treat her condition. Now, Ashley's family needs help to fund this $505 procedure. Ashley says: “I am afraid that without the surgery, I might lose my finger. It would affect my confidence and make daily activities harder. This surgery would mean a lot to me.”

Sambath is a seven-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and two younger siblings. His parents work in a grocery store to support the family. Sambath is in first grade and enjoys his math class and recess. In his free time, he likes playing with his friends and playing games on his mom's phone. Sambath was born with torticollis, a condition where the neck is twisted, causing the head to tilt at an angle. He cannot turn his head, experiences pain, and feels self-conscious at school. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sambath receive treatment. On November 11th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to help improve his neck function and self-confidence. Now, he needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Sambath's father said: “After the surgery, I hope that my son will be able to turn his head more easily and have no pain, so he can grow healthy and focus on school.”

Hser is a 60-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, children, and grandchildren in a refugee camp in Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. His daughter is a teacher, and one of his sons is a day laborer. Hser and his wife run a small grocery shop in the camp. Every month, they receive money on a cash card from a charity organization in the camp. They also raise chickens and a pig for their own consumption. They receive free basic healthcare in the refugee camp. Since 2021, Hser has had an inguinal hernia. Hser is in a lot of pain. He experiences swelling, as well as a burning and aching sensation, preventing him from performing his daily tasks. Fortunately, on November 10th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Mae Sariang Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,468 to fund Hser's hernia repair surgery. Once completed, Hser will be able to live more comfortably. Hser said, “I would like my discomfort to disappear, and I would like to be able to work properly. I hope my problem will be treated after my surgery."

Im is a 71-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives in Kompong Chhnang province with her husband. Together, they look after cows and grow vegetables around their home to supplement the income. They have six children, all of whom have married and moved out to nearby villages, who help support their parents with income and housework when possible. In her free time, Im enjoys listening to monks praying on the radio and chatting with neighbors. Two months ago, Im slipped in the bathroom and injured her left knee, making it difficult to bend her leg and walk. She initially used Khmer traditional medicine from her village to reduce swelling, but the pain has persisted. She is unable to bend her knee and experiences pain while walking, which limits her mobility and ability to perform daily activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Im receive treatment. On October 2nd, Im will undergo a fracture repair surgery, which will relieve her pain and restore function to her knee, allowing her to walk more easily and carry out daily tasks. Im can contribute $75 towards the cost of her treatment, but she needs help to raise $525 more to fund the procedure and care. Im said, "I hope I can walk again and help at home, and be able to care for my grandchildren when they visit."

Oditah is a 50-year-old farmer and mother of seven children. She and her husband have built their life around farming. They own a small banana and coffee plantation, which serves as their main source of income. To supplement their livelihood, they also cultivate beans, maize, and potatoes, mainly for home consumption, but they sell any surplus to earn additional income. Sixteen years ago, Oditah began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling in the front of her neck. Initially, it was painless and did not interfere with her daily activities. However, as the years went by, she began experiencing distressing symptoms, including shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent irritation in her throat that triggers a constant cough-like sensation. Additionally, she reports episodes of hoarseness in her voice that come and go. In her search for treatment, she once attended a surgical outreach camp in her home district after hearing about it on the radio. Unfortunately, she was not operated on during the camp. However, a doctor attending the camp referred her to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, for further evaluation and possible support. Oditah was diagnosed with non-toxic goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for various bodily functions, including metabolism and growth. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Oditah receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on August 5th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Oditah says, “With surgery, I hope to get better and will continue living a normal and healthy life; however, my finances can’t put me in a position to raise the amount of money needed for my surgery. I kindly appeal for your support.”