German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.

Ximena is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is a loving, caring, cheerful, and respectful girl who is dedicated to her studies and loves spending time with family and friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher because she likes helping others succeed in their studies. Ximena has had an epigastric hernia, or a protrusion of tissue in her upper abdominal area, for many years. This condition causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially during physical exertion, which limits daily activities and has affected her quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. On July 28th, Ximena will undergo hernia repair surgery, and she and her family are asking for help to raise $1,005 to fund Ximena's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Ximena's parents shared, "Thank you so very much for your generous help and for donating these funds for my daughter’s surgery. Your support means so much to us and gives us hope at this very important time. We will always be deeply grateful for your solidarity."

Samuel is a 10-year-old boy who lives in Medellín with his family. He is known for being intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His infectious energy and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who meets him. He enjoys spending time with those around him, learning new things, and dreaming big. When Samuel grows up, he’d like to become a professional soccer player or an industrial engineer specializing in vehicles, reflecting his passion for both sports and innovation and technology. When he was two years old, Samuel developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Samuel's parents took him to hospital where doctors recommended hernia repair surgery to treat his condition and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 27th, Samuel will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Samuel's procedure, which, once completed, will allow him to live a healthier life. Samuel says, "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My parents have been trying for a long time to get this surgery through our health insurance provider, but it hasn’t been possible. Thanks to you, today there is hope and an opportunity to improve my health and quality of life. We will never forget this generous gesture. Thank you for your big hearts, for sharing with those of us who need it most, and for giving us back our hope for a better tomorrow."