Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where 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. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

Rin is 58 years old and a rice farmer from Cambodia. He and his wife have three sons and a daughter. During his free time, he likes to watch boxing. About one year ago, Rin 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. When Rin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled three hours to seek treatment. On September 7th, 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. Rin said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can go back to growing rice and corn. I don’t worry about my eye anymore."

Bunny is a 33-year-old man who lives in Kandal Province in Cambodia. He works as a construction worker, while his wife works in a garment factory. The couple also has a small household garden, where they grow vegetables. Together, Bunny and his wife have three children. About a month ago, Bunny was involved in a motor vehicle accident, and sustained an injury on his left foot. He initially received treatment at a private clinic, where the wound was cleaned and dressed. He then continued wound care at home. Despite this, the wound failed to heal, and has remained open as a non-healing injury. The condition has significantly affected his daily life. He has difficulty walking, performing physical work, and returning to his job, which has impacted his family’s financial stability. Bunny was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for specialized care. He is scheduled to undergo free flap surgery on his left foot on June 17th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. The surgery will close the wound, promote healing, and restore foot function. This will help restore Bunny's mobility, allowing him to walk more comfortably, and enabling him to return to work and normal daily activities. Bunny and his family are able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $759 more to fund the surgery. Bunny says: “After surgery, I hope that my wound will heal completely, so I can walk comfortably again, return to work, and take care of my daily responsibilities without difficulty.”