Stanley is a 64-year-old father of four from Malawi. To provide income for his family, Stanley works as a car sales representative and at a local motorcycle shop, though he admits that his income is often insufficient to fully support them. For the past six months, Stanley has been experiencing abdominal swelling and discomfort. At first, the symptoms were subtle, but over the last two weeks they have become more severe, leaving him with increasing pain and difficulty in walking. This has made both work and home life very challenging. Stanley has been diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. Stanley needs a hernia repair procedure, but with his current income, he cannot afford the cost of surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Stanley undergo hernia repair surgery on April 20th. This procedure will cost $500, and Stanley needs your support to fund the procedure. Stanley said, “I am struggling with this condition, which has made my life very difficult. I wish to be able to work and provide for my family again, without pain. I truly hope I can receive support, because I cannot manage raising the funds on my own.”

Richard is a 35-year-old bricklayer from Malawi who is married with three children. He relies on part-time manual labor to earn a living, which he uses solely for his family's upkeep. Five years ago, Richard was diagnosed with a right 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. He has sought medical care on several occasions; however, the treatment he received did not provide relief. Over time, his symptoms have worsened, becoming overwhelming and disabling, and preventing him from concentrating on his work. During a recent visit to the regional referral hospital, he was advised to visit our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, for a review. Upon assessment, surgery was recommended but unfortunately, Richard is unable to raise the required treatment fees. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Richard receive treatment. On April 9th, he is scheduled to undergo surgery to restore his health, allow him to fully resume his work, and enable him to earn a stable income to support his family. Now, Richard needs help to fund this $575 procedure. He says, "I heard about the donor program, and believed that this is my chance. I look forward to rejoicing once I receive treatment through your support."

Naw Ree is a 29-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother, husband, sister, and brother in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. She is a homemaker who also weaves traditional Karen clothes for sale. Her husband is not formerly employed, but looks after their vegetable garden, chickens, and two pigs. Her brother is a student, and her sister also weaves traditional Karen clothing. Together they earn 1,000 THB per month, which is often not enough to cover their daily expenses. The family receives free basic health care in the refugee camp provided by Malteser International (MI) Thailand. Naw Ree is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Naw Ree undergo a C-Section on May 14th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Ree needs your support. Naw Ree said, “I wish to work as a healthcare worker in the future. If given the opportunity, I will apply to study as a midwife or a nurse at the camp hospital when my child is older.”