Pich is a 70-year-old grandmother who has lived with her daughter since her husband died of COVID last year. She cares for her granddaughter while her daughter works. Pich used to sell delicious Khmer cakes near their house but has stopped due to her declining vision. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Two years ago, Pich developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and constant tearing. She feels depressed because she is often alone all day at home. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Pich learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Pich is able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery and needs help raising $253 to fund her surgery. Pich shared, "I hope after my operation I can see well again and go outside by myself."

Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”

Samuel is a 44-year-old small-scale farmer and driver from Malawi, married with six children. When he was younger, Samuel was unable to complete secondary school due to financial constraints. He decided to shift his focus to being a farmer and a driver. Three weeks ago, Samuel was on his way to the market when he was hit by a vehicle, sustaining injuries to his right leg. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and was then referred to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Samuel was diagnosed with lower leg and ankle fractures, and surgery was recommended. Presently, Samuel is in pain - he is unable to walk or work to support his family, and cannot raise funds for his treatment. If the condition is left untreated, there may be nonunion or malunion, with worsening pain and swelling over time. Fortunately, our medical partner, Africa Mission Healthcare, is helping Samuel receive treatment. On April 23rd, Samuel will undergo an open reduction and internal fixation surgical procedure, to promote healing and eventually enable him to resume work. Now, Samuel needs your help to fund this $636 procedure. Samuel says, “Thank you for this rare opportunity for support, I am looking forward to full recovery after treatment.”