Ezekiel is a 76-year-old man from Malawi. He is a widower and father of six living in Nathenje, Lilongwe. He works as a day laborer and a small-scale farmer. Ezekiel lives alone in a small house which was initially temporary, but now is his permanent home. For one year, Ezekiel has noticed a left inguinal hernia. The condition has slowly taken away his strength and ability to work comfortably. He now experiences pain that stretches down into his right leg, making it difficult for him to walk long distances or perform physical labor. The work that once sustained him has become harder and harder to do. Hoping for help, he came to Nkhoma Hospital, where doctors examined him and advised that surgery is needed to correct the condition and relieve his pain. Hearing that treatment was possible brought him hope, but the cost of surgery is more than he can afford. For Ezekiel, this surgery means more than treatment. It is a chance to regain his strength, continue working, and live without the constant pain that now shapes his days. Your support will empower him to keep fighting despite his circumstances. Fortunately, on May 18th, he will undergo hernia repair with mesh surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to fund Ezekiel's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ezekiel said, “I am growing old, but I still want to work and care for myself while I can. This illness has made life very difficult for me. I do not have anyone to help me, but I am hoping that I can receive support and get this surgery so I can live with less pain.”

Reaksa is an 11-year-old student from Cambodia. He is the oldest of two children and lives with his parents and younger brother in Kampong Chhnang Province. His parents work as rice farmers to support the family. He is currently in Grade 6 and enjoys studying mathematics. In his free time, he likes watching football and sometimes plays as a goalkeeper with his friends. His favorite meal is fish and vegetable sour soup. Reaksa has had a condition affecting his right leg since he started walking. It is due to a congenital tightness, which has gradually affected the movement and alignment of his lower limb. The condition has caused pain in his right knee and hip, an abnormal gait, and difficulty squatting or sitting cross-legged. It affects his ability to walk comfortably and participate in normal daily and school activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Reaksa receive treatment. On June 4th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to improve his leg movement, reduce pain, and help him walk more normally. Now, he needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Reaksa's mother said, “It has been very worrying to see my son in pain, especially as he has difficulty walking and doing simple daily activities. I just hope he can get the right treatment and recover soon.”

Baraka is a one-year-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the only child in his family and lives with both parents. His father is a farmer who cultivates maize to provide food for the family and sells the surplus to meet their basic needs. Baraka has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bones are shorter than usual, which makes walking and even wearing shoes difficult. As he began to grow and explore his surroundings, the condition affected his mobility, making it difficult for him to wear shoes and walk longer distances without falling. His parents had not sought treatment elsewhere because they had not found an opportunity to access the specialized care he needed. Hope came when the outreach team of our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, visited Baraka’s village and identified him as a child who could benefit from the program. Baraka is set to undergo a series of gentle manipulations and casting sessions to gradually correct the position of his feet. He will then undergo an Achilles Tendon Lengthening procedure. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on September 10th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Baraka's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be provided with a night cast to maintain the correction and help prevent relapse. Baraka's mother shared, “We are grateful that Baraka was given this opportunity. We hope this treatment will help him walk comfortably and grow up like other children.”