Kennedy is a 55-year-old married man who has three daughters, all of whom are still in school. Kennedy - who is a primary school teacher - lives with his family in Malawi. He is the sole breadwinner for his family. Kennedy started having pain in his neck in 2016. Because the pain kept recurring, Kennedy went to Kamuzu Central Hospital, where some tests were performed, after which Kennedy was sent home with pain medicine. This past year, the pain in Kennedy's neck increased, and began to affect his shoulders. In addition, a swelling in his neck developed. Kennedy returned to the hospital, and after additional testing was done, he was diagnosed with a goiter. Kennedy met a friend who helped to connect him with our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare to help him get treatment. Kennedy's diagnosis was confirmed, and he is now scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on December 21st, at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Now he needs your help to raise the $1,015 to fund his surgery. Kennedy believes that the surgery will help him get back to his normal life, enabling him to be more effective and efficient in delivering his duties as a teacher.

Khouy is a 16-year-old tenth-grade student. Khouy lives in Kampong Thom province with his parents, who work as rice farmers. Khouy shares his home with his older brother who sells Khmer cakes at the local market. Additionally, he has a younger brother and sister, both actively attending school in the nearby area. Khouy loves going to school, particularly enjoying math and Khmer history at school. He aspires to become an electrician in the future. Outside of academics, he likes playing football games with his friends. In December 2022, Khouy fractured his femur during a football game. Khouy underwent surgery at a local hospital, where metal hardware was implanted to facilitate healing. The fracture has since healed, but Khouy experiences persistent discomfort in his leg and now needs to have the implanted metal removed. Fortunately, the skilled surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can provide the necessary assistance. Khouy's surgeon scheduled a hardware removal procedure for January 9th, the cost of this operation amounts to $304. Khouy hopes to return to football soon and contribute to his parent's farm. Khouy's mother said, "We hope Khouy's leg will be strong again so he can walk well and help us on the farm."

Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."