Beatrice, a 35-year-old single mother of five, lives in Malawi. Beatrice cooks and sells beer locally, but as she is unable to support her family with her earnings, she relies on her husband's brother to support her and the children. In 2022, Beatrice first started experiencing swelling in the right upper suprapubic area. As she wasn't concerned by the swelling, she didn't seek treatment. However, in February 2023, Beatrice was in line at a clinic with pain from the swelling so intense that she required immediate attention. Beatrice was seen by a surgeon, who told her that she had a hernia that needed to be repaired as soon as possible. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the costs of the surgery, which will prevent Beatrice's situation from worsening to potentially life-threatening consequences. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 22nd at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Beatrice is looking forward to recovering so that she can continue to care for her children. Beatrice happily said: “PIH kindly help me to have that surgery and get better; my children will suffer if you don’t help me.”

Samnang is a 23-year-old army trainee from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal province with his parents and younger sister. Before his injury, Samnang was in boot camp for the Cambodian army. On March 5th, Samnang was in a motor vehicle accident, resulting in the paralysis of his left hand. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can cause the loss of function and sensation. Currently, Samnang is unable to lift his arm and has had to pause his boot camp training as a result. Samnang traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which is the only facility in the country where brachial plexus injury surgery is available. On April 27th, Samnang will undergo surgery. After he has recovered, he should regain the use of his arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Samnang shared: "I hope I can go back to normal life like before the accident."

Meet Slai, a 41-year-old man who lives alone, and works as a security guard at night. In June 2020, when Slai was living in Burma, he started to sneeze frequently, and he also developed a constantly runny nose. Additionally, his nose became swollen, and his right nostril became blocked, making it difficult for Slai to breathe through his nose. At the local hospital, he was diagnosed with nasal polyps, and was given medication to treat his condition. However, when he moved to Thailand in January 2022, his symptoms returned, and doctors recommended surgery so he can breathe well again. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help Slai access the treatment that he needs. On January 11th, Slai will undergo surgery to remove the polyps at Mae Sot General Hospital. Slai is looking to you to help raise the $1,500 to cover the cost of this procedure, which will allow him to breathe freely again. Slai said: "After completing my treatment, I want to be legally employed as a worker in Thailand. Driving is my profession, so I want to work as a driver, but I would be happy with any work opportunity.”