Ayami is a 67-year-old father of eight children from Malawi. Four of his children are casual workers, while the rest are school-going. Ayami is a carpenter; however, due to his worsening condition, he has been unable to engage in work, leading to a significant reduction in his daily income. For three years, Ayami has had bilateral inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. At first, the condition was characterized by small intermittent swellings. Over time, however, the frequency of these swelling episodes increased and were accompanied by pain. About five months ago, Ayami sought medical attention and was scheduled for surgical repair. However, his scheduled date of surgery kept changing due to the workload at the public hospital, and Ayami was advised to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH). Upon review at PIH, his diagnosis was confirmed and surgery was recommended. Ayami firmly believes that surgical intervention will restore his health, comfort, and dignity. He hopes that successful surgery will allow him to live the remaining years of his life in peace and good health alongside his children and grandchildren. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ayami receive treatment. On May 6th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery, allowing him to live a healthier life. Ayami is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $667 to fund the surgery. He says: "I can't wait to be better after surgery. I have hope that your support will change my life, and help me to concentrate on my work so I can continue supporting my family."

Ye Min is a 19-year-old young man from Burma. He lives with his parents, younger brother, and a younger sister. His father is unemployed due to a previous accident. His mother works as an agricultural day laborer, while his brother looks after their neighbor’s cows, and his sister helps with household chores. Ye Min is unemployed. Their family’s combined monthly income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, and with Ye Min’s medical condition, the family is now indebted to neighbours and friends for loans they've received to help them finance medical and living expenses. Ye Min was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Heart valves control the flow of blood between chambers, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backwards. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Currently, Ye Min experiences significant limitations in his energy and physical capacity. He often has to rest after walking for not more than five minutes. His condition has prevented him from working, and he feels stressed about his health. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to help fund a heart valve replacement for Ye Min. The treatment is scheduled to take place on June 27th at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital. Once completed, Ye Min will hopefully live more comfortably. Ye Min said, “Without surgery, I will not live longer, and now I cannot walk far or work due to my fatigue, which makes me sad.” His mother said, “I leave my son’s life in your hands. I believe that he would have died in Burma if we had not come here to receive surgery with the help of your organization. When I came here, I felt like half of my burden had been lifted when I saw that your staff were kind and caring. I would like to thank you very much ahead of time for being willing to help us.”

Deborah is a two-year-old baby girl from Haiti. Deborah is very cheerful and outgoing. She likes to play with her neighbors and sing. She lives in a city in northern Haiti with her parents and older brother. Deborah has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart; blood leaks through this hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. Deborah will fly to United States to receive treatment. On July 23rd, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, HeartGift Foundation, is contributing $18,000 to pay for surgery. Deborah's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Deborah's family overseas. Deborah's mother says: "It's a miracle that our family has this chance for our daughter to have surgery. We are very thankful to everyone!"