Ly Horng is a seven-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives with her mother, who works at a glove factory, and her older brother, who is in Grade 11. She is in Grade 2 and enjoys reading and writing in Khmer. In her free time, she likes playing hide-and-seek with her friends. Her favorite foods are caramelized pork and grilled fish. Ly Horng was born with a small cyst behind her left ear, which has gradually increased in size as she has grown older. Over the years, the lump has become more noticeable and is now painful to the touch. Doctors have identified it as an epidermoid cyst. Although it has been present since birth, the growing lump has started to cause her discomfort, especially when she touches the area during daily activities or while playing with her friends. On November 3rd, Ly Horng will undergo surgery to remove the mass. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), needs help to raise $344 to fund this procedure. Ly Horng's mother said, “I hope the surgery will remove the lump behind my daughter’s ear and stop it from hurting when touched. I want her to feel comfortable, enjoy playing with her friends, and grow up happily without worrying about it.”

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.”

Rabecca is 26 years old and a mother of one from Malawi. Her husband is a cook, while she runs a small business. A year ago, Rabecca began to experience troubling symptoms, including a hoarse voice, frequent coughs, and painful swallowing. Her symptoms have gotten worse, affecting her ability to do daily tasks. She went to a hospital and was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling 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 Rabecca receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on August 19th 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. Rabecca shared, "I wish I could get better to enable me to continue doing my business in good health and concentrating on family support rather than spending on hospital visits."