Umali is a 34-year-old young man who lives with his parents in Malawi. Umali is the fourth-born in a family of five children, and works as a temporary salesman at a hardware store in town, earning a modest income that he uses not only to sustain himself but also to support his unemployed parents. Despite the financial challenges his family faces, Umali has always shouldered his responsibilities with dedication and resilience. Umali's health challenges began in 2024 when he noticed an intermittent swelling on the left side of his groin area. Concerned about the swelling and the discomfort it caused, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. He was subsequently referred to a higher facility for further management. While receiving care at the referral hospital, doctors also identified that he had haemorrhoids, in addition to the hernia. Over time, the haemorrhoids began bleeding, leaving Umali weak and increasingly worried about his health. Doctors recommended surgical intervention for both conditions, giving him hope that relief was finally within reach. Unfortunately, however, Umali had his surgery canceled several times due to scheduling constraints at the public hospital, and a lack of resources. Each hospital visit came with high costs for transport, accommodation, food, and lost working days. After spending considerable amounts of money and enduring repeated disappointments, Umali became frustrated and discouraged. His condition continued to worsen, affecting his ability to work effectively and reducing his already limited income. As the pain and discomfort intensified, he was advised to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope (PIH). Umali hesitated for months, fearing that he would not be able to afford treatment. However, when the symptoms became increasingly unbearable, Umali gathered the courage to visit PIH. Umali's diagnosis was confirmed and he has been scheduled for a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $917 to fund Umali's procedure, which has been scheduled for August 6th. Umali says: "The pain is too much, I am unable to focus. I have been admitted thrice at the referral hospital, but was not operated on. Kindly help me to have my surgery, so I can get better, my joy can resume, and I can continue supporting my parents. You are my last hope."

Elifa is a small business owner from Malawi. She is 41 years old and a mother of six children. Together with her husband, she relies on vegetable farming to support their family and provide for their children's needs. For 24 years, Elifa has had an incisional hernia. In 2002, after giving birth to her first child by Caesarean section, she began experiencing severe pain around the surgical incision. For many years, she managed the pain with painkillers and continued with her daily responsibilities despite the discomfort. Over time, she developed a mass around the incision site, which caused ongoing discomfort and gradually became part of her daily life. This year, however, her condition became much more difficult to manage. For about a month, Elifa experienced severe pain from the mass, prompting her to seek medical attention. She was referred to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, for specialized treatment. Fortunately, on October 7th, Elifa will undergo hernia repair with mesh surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to fund Elifa's surgery and care. Elifa said, "I am thankful that I have finally been referred to Nkhoma, but the cost of surgery is more than my family can afford. I am asking for help so that I can have this surgery, recover well, and return to my family and my work without the pain I have carried for so long. I will be deeply grateful to everyone willing to support me.”

Som Oeun is a 56-year-old man from Cambodia. He sells coffee in front of a factory in Phnom Penh. He is married and has three sons and one grandchild. He lives with his wife, who sells groceries, and with his youngest son, who is a student. He likes to listen to the news on his small radio. About three years ago, Som Oeun 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, so he is not able to go places on his own. Som Oeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On August 25th, 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. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Som Oeun shared, "I hope that after surgery, my eye can see better so I can go back to selling and I can drive the motorbike to go far places well and I don’t worry about my eyes anymore."