Abebech is a 39-year-old nun from Ethiopia. She has devoted her life to serving others and works tirelessly for her church community by preparing meals, washing clothes, and handling every duty given to her. Abebech is currently suffering from a painful internal growth (myoma) that requires urgent medical care. Because she lives as a nun, she does not have family to lean on during this painful health trial and relies on the hospital and her community of nuns to get the care she needs to heal and continue her spiritual work. For four years, Abebech has been experiencing worrisome symptoms that make it difficult to live her daily life. She has been diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. Abebech needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Even though she believes that both joy and hardship are natural parts of life's journey, this illness has been truly overwhelming. Dealing with months of heavy bleeding, severe pain, and constant hospital visits—all without an income—leaves her feeling sad and frustrated at times. Fortunately, Abebech is scheduled to undergo a myomectomy on July 30th at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $1,050 to fund her surgery. Abebech shared that she hopes this surgery will allow her to be free from pain so she can return to the peaceful, quiet routine of her daily life.

Ruth is 36 years old and a single mother of three from Malawi. She also has one grandchild from her firstborn. Ruth has experienced multiple family losses. Both of her parents and her two siblings are deceased. The only surviving relative is her uncle, who is physically disabled and fully dependent on her for care and support. She earns a living by selling tomatoes. In 2003, Ruth began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small swelling on the right side of her neck. Over time, the swelling grew bigger and began to affect her health. She developed symptoms including loss of voice, neck pain, headaches, and frequent coughing. After 15 years, she finally sought medical attention and 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 Ruth receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on May 2nd at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. 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. Ruth shared, "My only hope is you; I tried all that I could, but failed. I am looking forward to your support."

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.”