Chhinlong is a 35-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia who is married and has two children -- a ten-year-old son in first grade and a six-year-old daughter in kindergarten. They live in Kampong Chhnang province, where Chhinlong enjoys feeding his roosters and hens in his free time. Three years ago, Chhinlong fell off a ladder and injured his spine. Although he underwent spinal surgery, he still experiences damage to the nerves in his spinal cord, which causes pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in his left foot and leg. Then, about a year and a half ago, Chhinlong developed a sinus sore on his left foot and ankle. This sore is a small tunnel located between his heel bone and ankle bone and contains nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues that are essential for stabilizing the ankle and sensing body position. Over time, this condition has worsened into an infected bone, creating an ulcer. Chhinlong has been experiencing pain and chronic oozing at the wound site, making it difficult for him to sleep. A local clinic recommended amputation, but he could not afford it. They suggested he get a consultation from specialty surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Upon review, his doctors recommend an amputation of the left foot at the ankle joint, preserving the heel pad for weight-bearing to prevent symptoms from getting worse and allowing him to walk without having to get a prosthesis. On July 11th, Chhinlong will undergo this procedure to help him live more comfortably. After recovering, Chhinlong is most looking forward to farming and helping his wife with household work that is currently impossible for him. Chhinlong contributed $75 to his care and needs assistance raising $513 to fund the remaining cost of his surgery. Chhinlong said, "I hope after this operation, I will not need surgery. I would like the pain and infection to go away."

Sophin is a retired soldier from Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia. He is 72 years old. He has one son, four daughters, and eight grandchildren. He lives with his wife, and they are financially supported by all of their children. In his free time, Sophin enjoys planting mint and vegetables around the house, as well as attending religious ceremonies, which bring him peace and joy. Several months ago, Sophin developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurriness and photophobia, which has made it uncomfortable to go outside in bright light. His condition has worsened to the point where he can no longer see clearly, recognize people, drive his motorbike, or even read a book. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Sophin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for seven and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Sophin can contribute $100 but needs help to raise the additional $163 needed for his surgery. Sophin said: "I hope that after this operation, I can go outside, recognize people, and drive my motorbike to visit my family."

Spider is a 75-year-old elderly man from Malawi. He has ten children from two wives, though he lost his first wife. A small-scale farmer, he is currently not able to work due to his age and condition. Spider struggles to get meals and sometimes goes to bed on an empty stomach. He only gets support from his seventh-born daughter, who mostly brings cash for food and helps with farming, but the rest also struggle with their families. In 2023, Spider was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition that develops when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This was after undergoing a left inguinal hernia surgery the same year. Spider started having the same symptoms he had before his surgery, but this time it was on his right side. Spider visited the referral hospital where a diagnosis of right inguinal hernia was confirmed, but at the same time, he was also being followed up for a heart problem, and treatment was in progress. He experienced painful, on-and-off swelling episodes in his right inguinal region, which affected his daily activities. Later, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope, for surgery treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Spider receive treatment. On August 5th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery, allowing him a healthier life. Spider believes that the operation will help him get better, as evidenced by the first surgery he underwent. Now, he needs help to fund this $575 procedure. "I can't wait to spend the remaining days on earth in good health after surgery," said Spider.

Piseth is a 27-year-old mechanic from Cambodia who lives with his wife and son in Prey Veng province, near the border with Vietnam. His wife sells groceries at home and cares for their toddler. In his free time, Piseth loves watching soccer and playing with his son. Five years ago, Piseth had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his left ear to perforate. For this reason, Piseth experiences ear pain, discharge with an odor and pus, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss. His condition affects his ability to communicate, and the ear discharge causes discomfort while working. Piseth traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to receive treatment. On August 19th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Piseth and his family are able to contribute $100 for his medical care but need help to raise $387 more to fund the procedure. Piseth says, "I hope that surgery will improve my hearing so I can go back to work as soon as possible and take care of my family."

Hellena is a grandmother from Kenya. Her husband passed away many years ago and she now lives with her youngest daughter. While walking outside, Hellena accidentally slid and fell in the mud. She sustained an injury to the right leg and is in pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On November 28th, Hellena will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help aid in ambulation. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $861 to fund this procedure. Hellena's daughter shared, "Please help my mother. She wants to go home and be comfortable."

Iren is a 20-year-old lady from Kenya. Her father is a handyman who makes portable charcoal stoves to support the family, while her mother is a farmer. The couple has seven children and Iren's parents work hard to ensure that all of them receive an education. Iren completed her high school education and plans to continue studying once she is in better health. For the past two years, Iren has had a lump on the side of her chest. As the lump grew bigger, it became more painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, her parents could not afford the tests needed to get a proper diagnosis. Iren moved to her uncle's home and her uncle brought Iren to a hospital where she underwent several scans. Iren was then referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, and has been scheduled for mass excision surgery on September 18th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure so that Iren can recover, and continue pursuing her education. Iren said: “I feel like my life is on hold because I can’t proceed to college with this pain I am in.”

Benina is a cheerful woman with an infectious smile, she is married and has been blessed with five children, all boys. The first two children have completed their high school education; the other two are still in high school, while the youngest is in primary school. Benina and her husband own a piece of land where they primarily cultivate potatoes for their family's consumption and sell the surplus in the market. They also sporadically work on the farms of their neighbors to supplement their little income. This year, rainfall was very inconsistent, and the couple did not have any potato produce, thereby earning no income from their land. For the past 6 years, Benina has been experiencing severe abdominal pains, bleeding, and a persistent headache. She sought medical services from a clinician, who referred her to the obstetrics and gynecology department for further review. In 2019, the symptoms became severe, and she decided to visit a nearby health facility where she was given medication and sent back home. She experienced temporary relief from the condition, but it later reappeared. Benina made the decision to come to our partner's care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, because the situation did not get any better. After learning about her medical history, medical test were recommended which revealed that she had a hemoglobin level below 6, which is extremely low and dangerous. She was hospitalised and underwent a blood transfusion to boost hemoglobin levels and enhance blood quality. To help her heal she needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $918 to fund Benina's surgery. On November 29th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Benina will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Benina says, "I have endured a lot while holding out hope that I may soon recover. Day by day, the symptoms are getting worse, and I've lost a lot of blood. I'm in a terrible situation, please support me to get this operation."

Rechael is a 38-year-old widow and mother of three children, who works in a small grocery store. Her husband died in a traffic accident in 2018, and her life changed dramatically as a result. Her husband's family sent her away with the children, and since her mother had also died earlier, she shared with us that she had nowhere to go. Her aunt agreed to have Rachael and her children come live with her. Rechael was accompanied by her aunt and uncle when she came to Nazareth Hospital this week. She was very anxious, and when she started narrating her story she began to cry. She had become depressed, had experienced periodic upper abdominal pains, and occasional vomiting. She has been admitted at hospitals three times, and a scan showed that she had gallstones. Doctors advised that she have surgery to heal her condition. Unfortunately, she is unable to pay the $788 needed for this surgery. If not treated, Rechael will continue to experience these symptoms, and could develop complications such as pancreatitis, or obstruction of the gallbladder among others. “I am desperate and don’t know what to do. I can only depend on my family, and they are not in a position to help. I pray for help so that at least my life can be normal again for the sake of my children,” said Rechael.

Phalla is a 62-year-old grocery seller. She has one daughter, three sons, and four grandchildren. Phalla lives with her youngest daughter who is a garment worker. She shared that her husband passed away a long time ago. Phalla likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. Two years ago, Phalla developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Phalla learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 25th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Phalla says, "I hope after surgery my eye can see clearly. I would like to recognize everything well and get around on my own."

Gebreegziabher is a brave, young, and fun boy who loves to hangout with his friends. He loves to play chase and other games with his friends and brothers. He has five siblings and shared with us that he loves goats! Gebreegziabher never went to school because of his condition. He is a shepherd and helps to keep the sheep and goats of his parents. Because of his condition, he has endured bullying, but he continues to be brave and his dad shared: “He is so strong despite his sickness. When others pick on him and speak bad things about him and things related to his disease he even gets in to fights.” Gebreegziabher's mom and dad counsel him and comfort him and help him to bring out self-confidence and strength. His dad and his mom are farmers and his mom takes care of all the household chores. Dad said: “Our area is dry. We work hard and farm but the harvest is poor with lack of rain. We purchase food because our harvest is not enough to support the family.” They also raise animals to support themselves. The community survives with the dry land and the scarcity of food by donations from the government and NGOs. But the past two years they couldn’t get the donation since they are in the war zone. For these reasons they can’t afford the medical bill for their son. Gebreegziabher was born with congenital anomaly called bladder extrophy. That is an abnormally where the bladder is open to air. Given the pain and risk of infection, he just ties clothes around the wound. His mom is very much worried and concerned because of his condition. She shared that she has excluded herself from the community for years in taking care of him and raises him and recalls that when growing up, he would sit faraway from others and boys in his age. They keep up hope for better days ahead and are a loving family who support each other the best they can. His Dad said: “He learned to exclude himself from others growing up. We are sad as a family because of his condition. The neighbor insults us, discriminate us and we feel so sad about this. We couldn’t tell what will happen to him. And we bring him to God always.”

Phat is a 73-year-old retired soldier. He was married with four children, but his wife and two of his children have unfortunately passed away. Now he lives with his son who is a mechanic. At home, he enjoys spending his time watching TV and listening to the news on the radio. One year ago, Phat developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience blurry vision and light sensitivity. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Phat learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On July 5th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Phat says, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go outside and recognize things well again."

Purity is a 57-year-old woman from Kenya. As she enters our local Watsi rep's office, Purity strains to sit and cannot hide her pains. She looks uneasy and can’t stop asking when she will be going to the operating theatre. She developed a deep spine infection (surgical site infection) after lumbar surgery that necessitates urgent debridement and removal of hardware. Her current condition is serious and the orthopaedic team has requested an urgent procedure or she risks paralysis. Purity is a mother of 3, all of whom are now adults. Her youngest son is a student at a local university and still depends on her. Her older son is a casual laborer working with Purity’s husband at construction sites locally referred to as mjengo. Her other son is a police officer and has been the one helping Purity to cover her previous medical bills. Her son took out a loan but it was barely enough to cover her earlier treatment. She is also hoping for support from the National Health Insurance coverage, but her application is pending. She is requesting emergency assistance. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Purity receive treatment. On November 4th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to finally help heal her wound, reduce her pain, and enable her to ambulate with ease. Now, Purity needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Purity shared, “I couldn’t sleep one more night at home, the pains are unbearable. I have no source of finances to cover for the surgery that will help me get better. I risk paralysis if this procedure is not performed.”