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.”

Kimhuor is 18 years old and a hardworking waiter from Cambodia. He lives on the outskirts of Phnom Penh with his parents, who work as cleaners at a company. He is the eldest of four siblings, and his younger siblings are still students. Because of the family’s financial situation, he stopped studying in Grade 10 and started working as a waiter to help support the family. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and playing games on his phone. Five days ago, Kimhuor was involved in a traffic accident with a car that was driving in the opposite direction, causing a closed fracture of his left tibial plateau. Since the accident, he has experienced significant pain and difficulty walking independently. Because of his injury, he cannot go to work. After the accident, he was taken to a private clinic, where an X-ray confirmed the fracture. The doctors advised him to undergo surgery, but his family could not afford the cost. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On March 11th, Kimhuor will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will repair the fracture, stabilize his leg, and help him walk easily again. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising the remaining $500 to fund his surgery and care. Kimhuor said, "I am very grateful for the support that allows me to receive this treatment. After the surgery, I hope my leg will heal so I can walk normally, return to my work, and earn some money to support my family."

Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.