Constant is a two-year-old boy from Malawi. He is the last-born child in a family of four children, and his mother manages the home while his father runs a small electronics business to support the family. Constant has an right inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has brought periods of discomfort and worry to his young life. His mother has watched him grow while also keeping a close eye on the swelling, especially when it becomes more noticeable. At his age, Constant should be free to play, explore and enjoy being a child without his family having to worry about a condition that may require surgery. His parents have sought help because they want to see him treated and able to grow without the discomfort and uncertainty that have accompanied the hernia. After assessment at Nkhoma Hospital, Constant's mother was advised that he would need hernia repair surgery. When the family learnt about the cost of treatment, they were worried as they could not afford the full amount. His mother is hopeful that, with support, her little boy can receive the treatment he needs and be able to grow up healthy, active, and free from the burden of this condition. Fortunately, on August 11th, Constant will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. His family is contributing towards his care, but still needs to raise $421 more for his treatment. Constant’s mother said, “As his mother, all I want is to see Constant grow up healthy and free from this problem. He is still so young, and I want him to be able to play, run and enjoy his childhood without us worrying about the swelling. I am hopeful that with the help of the donor program, he will receive the surgery he needs and have a better future.”

Jimmy is a resilient husband from the Philippines. His children already have families of their own, and he does not rely on them financially. Instead, Jimmy and his wife depend mainly on his pension to meet their daily needs. He once worked abroad to sustain his family. However, due to physical pain and the effects of aging, he now hopes to undergo surgery so he can recover and return to work without worry. Four years ago, Jimmy developed an umbilical hernia. This hernia causes him pain on his side and after eating. It also gives him so much discomfort that he prefers not to move at times. Before his illness, Jimmy stayed active by playing basketball, but today he spends most of his time at home with his wife. His family encourages him to have the operation, so he no longer has to suffer. Fortunately, on April 17th, Jimmy will undergo a hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Jimmy's treatment. Our medical partner is requesting the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "I am very grateful for this surgery. I know that my discomfort will go away after the operation. I am quite optimistic about moving normally again," says Jimmy.

Phary is a six-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives in a small neighbourhood near Phnom Penh with her parents and her two-year-old younger sister. Her parents sell clothes to support the family and work hard to provide for their children. She is in Grade 1 and enjoys learning to read and write Khmer. In her free time, she likes playing with toys with her younger sister. Her favorite foods are caramelized pork and grilled fish, and she dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up. Phary was born with an abnormality in her right leg. Three months ago, she underwent surgery to correct the position of her leg. Doctors implanted metal plates in her right leg to help repair the abnormal bone. Recently, the area around the metal plate became infected and swollen. This has caused her pain and made it difficult for her to walk comfortably. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 16th, Phary will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $378. This treatment will help remove the infection and allow her leg to heal so she can walk comfortably again and return to her normal activities as a child. Phary's mother shared, “I feel very worried seeing my child in pain and having difficulty walking. I hope the doctors can treat her so the infection will heal and she can walk comfortably again like other children.”