Agness is 59 years old and a farmer from Malawi. She is married with nine children. Eighteen years ago, Agness began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small lump on her neck that grew bigger over time, causing problems with swallowing meals. She visited the nearest hospitals, where she was given some medications after the diagnosis of goiter was made, yet to no avail. With time, she couldn't carry heavy items on her head, concentrate on farm work, and was always tired. She was then referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), for support. Agness was diagnosed with a 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 functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Agness receive treatment. On March 10th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. "Words fail me; thank you in advance, you have space in heaven; your care has already given me hope that all will be well in the end," Agness said.

Yeng is 64 years old and a retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He is married and has four sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. He currently lives with his wife and his daughter, who works at a garment factory. In his free time, he enjoys joining traditional ceremonies and visiting the pagoda, which are important parts of his social and spiritual life. About two years ago, Yeng developed eye irritation, tearing, and a persistent foreign body sensation, making it difficult for him to see clearly and recognize people well. His eyelids turn inward, causing his eyelashes to scrape the surface of his eyes. It is difficult for him to open his eyelids and see. These symptoms have caused discomfort and worry, limiting his confidence in daily activities. On February 17th, Yeng will undergo surgery at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). This procedure will address his condition and help him see better. Yeng can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $273 more to fund his care. Yeng said, "After surgery, I hope my eye irritation and tearing will stop, the itching will be relieved, and my vision will improve so I can recognize others clearly again." He also wishes to regain his independence and confidence, allowing him to attend ceremonies and visit the pagoda comfortably without concern.

Sokhon is a 62-year-old man from Siem Reap, Cambodia. He and his wife are rice farmers. They have two daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. His daughters work in garment factories, and his son works in construction. In his free time, he enjoys watching funny movies. About one year ago, Sokhon developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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, and is unable to go places on his own. When Sokhon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for 7 hours to seek treatment. On May 8th, 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. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $163 more to fund his procedure and care. Sokhon said, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see clearly again, return to planting rice, and travel to far places more easily and safely."