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."

Nan Maw is a 24-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her friends in Bangkok in an apartment rented by their employer. She works as a waitress, while her brother and mother still live in their village in Karen State, Burma. When Nan Maw was healthy and working full-time, she would send half of her salary home to support her mother. She dreams of building a concrete house back home for her family. Nan Maw was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Due to her condition, she can only engage in part-time work as she gets tired too easily. Nan Maw is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on August 31st at our medical partner's care center, Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital, to correct her atrial septal defect and improve her quality of life. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to help cover the cost of Nan Maw's procedure and care. Nan Maw said, “I would like to thank your organization, BCMF, and your donors for your help. If you do not help me, I would have had to give up on my treatment because I know that I could not afford it by myself. I am very happy and thankful to all the donors. You have helped me feel that I can dream again. Before I developed these symptoms, I dreamed of working hard, saving money, building a house back home, and opening my own restaurant. Since I first noticed my symptoms, it felt like my dreams were lost. But now, I can dream again.”

Ei is a 13-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her father, two older sisters, and one older brother in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. Ei’s father and all her siblings work as day labourers in the corn fields near their village, while Ei helps with the family’s daily household chores. Her mother passed away in March 2026. In her free time, Ei enjoys playing with her friends and helping with the family’s daily responsibilities. On the 23rd of June, 2026, Ei had intense lower abdominal pain, vomiting, and a fever. She went to the local clinic near her village, where she underwent another physical examination and was diagnosed with appendicitis by the nurse. She was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, for surgery and further care. On June 25th, Ei will undergo an appendectomy. Our medical partner, Burma Medical Children Fund (BCMF), is asking for help in raising $1,500 for her procedure and care. After recovery, Ei should be able to return to her daily activities and support her family. Ei’s father expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much to this organisation [HFA-BCMF] and the donors for your kindness in supporting my youngest daughter’s treatment costs. We feel immense happiness because of your help. We could not afford her surgery, as our family can only meet daily needs if we work every day. Your support has brought great relief and blessings to our family.”