Leah is 39 years old and a small-scale farmer from Kenya. She and her husband are poultry farmers. One month ago, Leah began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe backaches and abdominal pain. She was initially treated with medication, but her condition worsened. As the pain persisted and her abdomen became swollen, scans revealed a perforated intestine, requiring emergency surgery. Despite the procedure, Leah continued to experience intense abdominal pain and had to undergo a second surgery during which a portion of her intestine was removed to aid her recovery. Subsequent scans have now revealed fluid buildup in her pelvic area, leaving her in severe pain and unable to heal properly. She was diagnosed with an acute abdomen, and doctors recommended a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat her condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund Leah's surgery. On February 3rd, she will undergo surgery, which will, hopefully, greatly improve her quality of life. Leah says, "I haven't been able to move from this bed. I am exhausted, and my stomach is swollen and in pain."

Daud is 58 years old and a farmer from Malawi. He is a devoted father of seven children and a grandfather caring for four grandchildren under his roof. He lives a simple life centered around maize farming, which serves as the main source of food and income for his extended family. Like many hardworking men in his community, his days are spent in the garden, tending to his crops to ensure his family’s survival. For two years, Daud has had a left inguinal hernia. One day, while working in his field, Daud began to feel a sharp pain in his abdomen. Over time, the pain and discomfort have increased, making it increasingly difficult for him to carry out his daily activities, including farming. Fortunately, on April 9th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Daud is raising $500 to fund the procedure, which will allow him to live more comfortably. Daud said, "Despite the challenges that I'm facing, I remain hopeful that the upcoming surgery will restore my health and allow me to return to my garden, continue supporting my family, and enjoy life with my children and grandchildren once again."

Char is a 55-year-old man from Burma who lives with his wife, two daughters, and two sons. His oldest two children work as small-scale farmers alongside Char and his wife, while his two youngest are students. Char's family also raises buffalo, pigs, and chickens for their consumption and to sell for income every four or five months. Char shared that the money they earn from selling their livestock, as well as the crops they grow for themselves, is just enough to cover their daily needs and to pay for basic health care. Char has a right inguinal hernia with bowel obstruction that is causing him to experience a lot of pain, difficulty walking and moving, and a reduced appetite. He needs to undergo surgery to heal from his condition. Fortunately, our medical partner can help him undergo hernia repair surgery on May 12th, which, once completed, will allow him to live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,468 to fund Char's surgery. Char shared about how upsetting this condition has been for him and his family, stating: "I cannot help my family take care of our rice fields, [vegetable] garden, or buffaloes," he said. "After I recover, I want to go home to take care of our rice fields and look after my buffalo. I will also go to the forest to forage for vegetables and hunt."