Marivic is a 53-year-old mother of two from the Philippines who loves taking long walks and doing household tasks. As a housewife, she dedicates her time to taking care of her family. Their eldest son is the breadwinner of the family, while her husband works as a tricycle driver. Marivic has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She can no longer do strenuous work or heavy lifting due to the size of her breast mass. It often causes her discomfort while moving or doing chores. Her doctor advised her to limit activities that could worsen her condition. Despite these challenges, Marivic remains hopeful that help will come. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been suggested to rid her body of breast cancer and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Fortunately, our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) is helping Marivic receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on August 29th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP needs your help in raising $990 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Marivic will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. Marivic shared, "I am deeply grateful for the foundation’s help. Without this free surgery, I do not know when I would have received the treatment I need. This assistance has given me hope and eased the financial burden on my family."

Umali is a 34-year-old young man who lives with his parents in Malawi. Umali is the fourth-born in a family of five children, and works as a temporary salesman at a hardware store in town, earning a modest income that he uses not only to sustain himself but also to support his unemployed parents. Despite the financial challenges his family faces, Umali has always shouldered his responsibilities with dedication and resilience. Umali's health challenges began in 2024 when he noticed an intermittent swelling on the left side of his groin area. Concerned about the swelling and the discomfort it caused, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. He was subsequently referred to a higher facility for further management. While receiving care at the referral hospital, doctors also identified that he had haemorrhoids, in addition to the hernia. Over time, the haemorrhoids began bleeding, leaving Umali weak and increasingly worried about his health. Doctors recommended surgical intervention for both conditions, giving him hope that relief was finally within reach. Unfortunately, however, Umali had his surgery canceled several times due to scheduling constraints at the public hospital, and a lack of resources. Each hospital visit came with high costs for transport, accommodation, food, and lost working days. After spending considerable amounts of money and enduring repeated disappointments, Umali became frustrated and discouraged. His condition continued to worsen, affecting his ability to work effectively and reducing his already limited income. As the pain and discomfort intensified, he was advised to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope (PIH). Umali hesitated for months, fearing that he would not be able to afford treatment. However, when the symptoms became increasingly unbearable, Umali gathered the courage to visit PIH. Umali's diagnosis was confirmed and he has been scheduled for a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $917 to fund Umali's procedure, which has been scheduled for August 6th. Umali says: "The pain is too much, I am unable to focus. I have been admitted thrice at the referral hospital, but was not operated on. Kindly help me to have my surgery, so I can get better, my joy can resume, and I can continue supporting my parents. You are my last hope."

Naw Ree is a 29-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her mother, husband, sister, and brother in a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. She is a homemaker who also weaves traditional Karen clothes for sale. Her husband is not formerly employed, but looks after their vegetable garden, chickens, and two pigs. Her brother is a student, and her sister also weaves traditional Karen clothing. Together they earn 1,000 THB per month, which is often not enough to cover their daily expenses. The family receives free basic health care in the refugee camp provided by Malteser International (MI) Thailand. Naw Ree is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Naw Ree undergo a C-Section on May 14th. This procedure will cost $1500, and Naw Ree needs your support. Naw Ree said, “I wish to work as a healthcare worker in the future. If given the opportunity, I will apply to study as a midwife or a nurse at the camp hospital when my child is older.”