Andrew is a 62-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with five children, all living in their respective homes. He presently lives with his wife and two grandchildren, growing corn to support his family. He expressed that he would have desired to pursue a different career path, but he was unable to complete his primary school education, which unfortunately restricted his job opportunities. Three months ago, Andrew started experiencing discomfort in a sensitive area, including pain while carrying out daily activities. He went to a nearby health center, and was referred to the district hospital where he was unfortunately unable to secure an appointment with the surgeon. Andrew had a friend who had experienced a similar condition, and his friend recommended that he visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Andrew was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Andrew should undergo a prostatectomy, which is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Andrew receive treatment. On April 16th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a prostatectomy to alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Andrew and his family are able to contribute $58 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Andrew says, "Treatment is what I’m looking for, and I will be glad when this condition is healed.”

Tha is a 72-year-old military retiree from Cambodia who lives alone in rural Kampong Chhang province. His wife passed away twenty years ago, and he has been living alone. He helps care for his eight grandchildren who live nearby. All five of Tha's children help support him financially through their work in farming and construction. In his free time, Tha enjoys going to the pagoda to pray and watching the evening news. About two years ago, Tha 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 is not able to go places on his own. When Tha learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On April 19th, 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. Tha and his family are able to contribute $25 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $228 more to fully fund the operation. Tha shared, "For two years, I am feeling scared to drive my motorbike because I cannot see clearly. I would like to be able to drive to see my grandchildren or to the far away pagoda on my own."

Angela is a 62-year-old woman with two grown sons. During her childhood, her dream was to be a teacher however she has to stop school at Primary 6 due to financial constraints. She is married and she and her husband farm for a living. They live in a traditional mud house in southwestern Uganda. Two years ago, Angela began experiencing lower abdominal pain and backache. Due to limited finances, Angela had never seen a doctor but when symptoms became severe, she decided to seek medical help and was diagnosed with premalignant cervical lesion. She needs to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. On February 22nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund this procedure. Once she has recovered, Angela will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. She says, “I hope for a complete recovery and I have faith that I will get better.”