Denis is a young boy from Malawi. He is in second grade at a local primary school in Ntcheu District. He lives with his family alongside his five siblings. His mother works as a patient attendant, and his father runs a small business to support the household. For most of his life, Denis has had an inguinal hernia. Over the years, it has caused him discomfort, especially when walking long distances, sitting for long periods, or riding a bicycle. Despite this, his condition went untreated. Recently, his pain became much worse. After returning from the market on his father’s bicycle, Denis experienced severe discomfort that left him in agony. This moment pushed his parents to seek medical attention. They brought him to Nkhoma Hospital, where doctors assessed him and confirmed the condition. He was advised that surgery is needed to correct the problem and prevent further complications. He was referred to the SAFE program for financial assistance because they expressed that their financial situation did not allow them to afford surgery for Denis. Denis now waits for the chance to receive treatment so he can move freely, return to school comfortably, and enjoy life without pain. Fortunately, on April 29th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Denis's hernia repair surgery. Once completed, it will hopefully allow Denis to live more comfortably. Denis' mother said, “I want my child to be free from this pain and live like other children. Seeing him suffer made us realize we needed help. We are hoping he can receive this treatment and be well again.”

William is a 49-year-old father of one from Uganda. He is a devoted husband and father who has been married for 28 years. Neither William nor his wife had the opportunity to pursue formal education. They live in a modest single-room house on a small plot of land, reflecting their humble circumstances. To sustain their family and meet their daily needs, they rely on working on other people’s farms, a physically demanding and often unstable source of income. However, William’s medical condition has made it increasingly difficult for him to continue working. Five years ago, William underwent a hernia repair surgery on the left side of his inguinal region. A year later, he developed an inguinal hernia on his right side, 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 been causing him pain and discomfort, threatening his ability to provide for his family. Fortunately, on March 5th, William has been scheduled for hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund William's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. William says, "I am grateful to the hospital team for connecting me to the donor program, because I cannot afford to raise money for the operation. After the surgery, I will go back and work hard to sustain my family."

Sarun is a 72-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province. He is married and has four daughters and 15 grandchildren. Presently, Sarun lives with his wife, who is also a farmer, and his first born daughter who has mental problem. Sarun likes to watch boxing on the TV. About two years ago, Sarun 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 Sarun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, 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. Sarun is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says: "I hope that after surgery my eye can see better easily, so I can go back to growing rice and go places on my own."