Josephy is a 76-year-old farmer from Malawi. He has spent most of his life working the land and continues to tend to his crops through small-scale irrigation farming. With his nine children all grown and living on their own, he spends his quieter days with his wife and grandchildren. For the past two months, Josephy has been living with 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. The hernia has grown and begun to cause severe pain that spreads through his pelvis and down his right leg, slowing him down and keeping him from the farming work he loves. Fortunately, on May 7th, Josephy will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Josephy is contributing to his treatment, but needs help in raising $500 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I am used to working with my hands and taking care of my home. This pain has made me feel weak and unable to do what I love. If I can have this surgery, I believe I will be able to go back to my life again. I am asking for support so I can be well.”

Sophon is a 60-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a weaver from Kandal province. She is a widow with no children; her husband passed away about 15 years ago in a car accident. She currently lives with her youngest sister, who is also a weaver. In her free time, Sophon enjoys listening to the radio and hearing monks pray. About two years ago, Sophon developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. Sophon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On April 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sophon can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 to fund her procedure and care. Sophon said, "I hope that after my eye surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see clearly, recognize things more easily, and continue my weaving work well. I also hope to travel farther without difficulty and no longer worry about my eyesight."

Sonita is an eight-year-old girl from Cambodia. She is in the third grade and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with her parents and younger sister, who is in kindergarten. Her father works as a construction worker, and her mother works in a garment factory. She enjoys playing games with her friends, her favorite subject is Khmer, and she hopes to become a teacher when she grows up. During her free time, she enjoys playing games with her friends. Sonita developed weakness and stiffness in her left arm after suffering from a brain hemorrhage when she was only one and a half months old. She was hospitalized and required emergency treatment at that time. Since then, the brain injury has affected the nerves controlling her left arm, causing weakness, limited movement, and difficulty using her hand. Although she has received physiotherapy and has improved over time, she still cannot fully move her wrist and fingers, making it difficult to hold objects, write, dress herself, and perform some daily activities. She needs to undergo a tendon and nerve repair procedure to help regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sonita receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on July 20th. This procedure will cost $701, and Sonita and her family need your support. Sonita's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter use her left hand better so she can hold objects, play, and take care of herself more easily. I want her to grow up with greater confidence and independence.”