Felix is a 30-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with one child, and enjoys playing soccer during his free time. Felix values an active life, but for the past seven months, persistent abdominal pain has made it difficult for him to enjoy the life he once knew. Early this year, Felix started experiencing a twisting pain, and burning sensation in his abdomen several times throughout the day. Seeking relief, he visited several clinics, but none provided a lasting solution. After an assessment at a district hospital, he was advised to seek specialized care at a facility that offers surgical services. Recently, Felix made the two-hour journey to Nkhoma Mission Hospital. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area, that occurs due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Felix was informed that he needed surgery, but the cost exceeded what he could afford. Having already spent a significant amount on seeking treatment and transportation, and with limited resources and a family depending on him, he is now seeking support to undergo the surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Felix receive treatment. On September 22nd, he is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery to recover from the painful symptoms, allowing him to return to work, care for his family and go back to his everyday life. Now, Felix needs help to fund this $421 procedure. He says, “I am hoping that after the surgery, I will be free from this pain and able to return to my farm. I want to work hard for my wife and child, provide for my family, and enjoy playing soccer with my friends again. I pray that with this treatment, I can regain my strength and continue building a better future for my family.”

Moa is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Thom Province with his wife, who is also a rice farmer. They have two adult children: their daughter is a rice farmer, and their son works in a factory. In his free time, he enjoys caring for his rice fields and removing weeds. In January 2025, Moa injured his left knee after being struck by the gear stick of a tractor and later slipping, causing a left tibial tubercle fracture. He underwent surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where doctors performed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using screws and cerclage wire to stabilize the fracture. His fracture has healed well, and he has regained normal knee movement and walking. However, the metal hardware is no longer needed and should be removed to complete his treatment and help prevent future irritation or discomfort. On July 7th, Moa will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will safely remove the screws and cerclage wire, allowing him to continue his daily activities and farming without concerns related to the implants. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund his procedure and care. Moa said, “I’m happy my knee has healed well. I hope this surgery will remove the metal safely so I can continue working and living without any worries.”

Nuth is a three-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives with her parents, who are cashew farmers, and an older sister who is in Grade 2. She enjoys playing with toys with her sister and likes fish sour soup and fried chicken. In December 2023, when she was eight months old, Nuth was accidentally burned by a fire on a cashew farm. She was initially treated with dressings and follow-up care, but after the burn healed, scar tissue formed around her right wrist, causing a contracture. This has limited her wrist's movement and has made it harder for her to use her right hand. When Nuth's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for seven hours seeking treatment. On September 16th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to loosen the tight scar around her right wrist and help improve her wrist movement, making it easier for her to use her right hand as she grows and plays. Now, Nuth's family needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Her mother said, “I hope the surgery will loosen the scar around my daughter’s wrist so she can move her hand more freely. She is still very young, and I want her to grow up able to use both hands comfortably when she plays, learns, and does things for herself.”