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."

Kea is a 64-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. She is a widow whose husband passed away from cancer a year ago. She has two sons, three daughters, and eleven grandchildren, and she currently lives with her third daughter, who works as a garment factory laborer. In her free time, she enjoys going to the pagoda and taking her grandchildren to school. About one year ago, Kea developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Kea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 5th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Kea shared, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can easily recognize people, go outside independently, and stop worrying about my eyesight. This will make me very happy."

Beatrice is a 46-year-old woman from Malawi. She and her husband have three children. Beatrice sells second-hand clothes to support her family. Five years ago, Beatrice began bleeding profusely and started to experience abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and was told that she would need to undergo a hysterectomy. She was booked for surgery on numerous occasions, but the surgeries never took place. Finally, Beatrice was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where she is now scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy on June 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Beatrice's surgery. Beatrice now has hope that the surgical operation will save her life. She believes surgery will help her resume her business and continue being a responsible mother. "I have tried all that I could, but have failed to be considered for surgery in government hospitals; unfortunately, my business cannot support my surgery, but only my family upkeep. Since I am the breadwinner, you are my last hope to save my life," said Beatrice.