Zakiri is a bright eight-year-old boy from Malawi. The third-born in a family of four children, Zakiri is in Standard 2, and is eager to continue learning and spending time with his friends. His mother says he has always grown well, reaching his developmental milestones on time, and there was nothing unusual about his health until two years ago. For two years, Zakiri has had an 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. At first, Zakiri would complain of abdominal pain and headaches whenever the swelling appeared. Concerned, his mother took him to several clinics hoping to find a solution, but the problem persisted. As Zakiri prepared to start another school year, she became increasingly worried that the condition would interfere with his childhood and education. In August 2026, she took him to a local hospital, where a clinician advised that he be referred to Nkhoma Mission Hospital for further assessment and treatment. For Zakiri’s mother, making the journey to Nkhoma was not an easy decision. She and her four children live with her parents, her sister, her sister's child, and her brother’s child. Zakiri's father works in South Africa and only sends money occasionally, while his mother depends mainly on farming to support the family. Despite these challenges, she followed the clinician’s advice and brought Zakiri to Nkhoma Hospital, where his right inguinal hernia was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. However, the cost of treatment was more than she could afford. Zakiri’s mother is hopeful that the support will make it possible for her son to receive the treatment he needs. Fortunately, on September 16th, Zakiri will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Zakiri's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 16th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life. Zakiri's mother said, "I wish to see him healthy again, back in his classroom. I hope that once his hernia is repaired, no illness will stand in the way of Zakiri growing, learning and enjoying his childhood."

Mopin is a 29-year-old blacksmith from Cambodia. He lives in Tbong Khmum Province with his wife and their three-year-old son. His wife stays at home to care for their child. In his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. In May 2026, Mopin suffered an electric shock and fell from a staircase, causing a fracture-dislocation of his left shoulder. After the accident, he received traditional treatment, but his pain and limited shoulder movement did not improve. Nearly two months later, he visited a local health center, where an X-ray revealed a fracture-dislocation of the left humeral head. He continues to experience severe shoulder pain, deformity, and restricted movement, making it difficult to lift or use his left arm. As a result, he is unable to work as a blacksmith or perform many everyday activities independently. Mopin was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for specialized care. On July 15th, Mopin will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fractured shoulder, restore its alignment, reduce pain, and improve arm movement so he can return to work and daily activities. He can contribute $50, but needs help raising $550 more to fund his procedure and care. Mopin said, "I hope this surgery will take away my shoulder pain and help me move my arm normally again. I want to return to work and take care of myself without depending on others."

Siv Hak is a 19-year-old man from Cambodia who lives with his parents and two siblings in Kampot Province. His parents and older brother work in a garment factory, while his younger sister is in Grade 7. Siv Hak is not currently working, and enjoys listening to music and playing games in his free time. Siv Hak has had back and hip problems since 2018 that gradually worsened over time. Investigations later found osteomyelitis and discitis with spinal narrowing. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery in August 2026, the surgical wound on his back broke down and developed an infection. The wound breakdown and infection require further treatment. He currently has no sensation in both legs, which affects his mobility and ability to manage his daily activities independently. When Siv Hak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On September 11th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged and infected tissue from his back wound and help create a cleaner environment for healing. It is an important step in treating the wound infection and supporting his ongoing recovery. Now, Siv Hak's family needs help to fund this $417 procedure. He said, “I hope today’s surgery will clean the wound on my back and help it heal properly. I am looking forward to recovering from this infection and becoming more comfortable and independent in my daily life.”