Iren is a 20-year-old lady from Kenya. Her father is a handyman who makes portable charcoal stoves to support the family, while her mother is a farmer. The couple has seven children and Iren's parents work hard to ensure that all of them receive an education. Iren completed her high school education and plans to continue studying once she is in better health. For the past two years, Iren has had a lump on the side of her chest. As the lump grew bigger, it became more painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, her parents could not afford the tests needed to get a proper diagnosis. Iren moved to her uncle's home and her uncle brought Iren to a hospital where she underwent several scans. Iren was then referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, and has been scheduled for mass excision surgery on September 18th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure so that Iren can recover, and continue pursuing her education. Iren said: “I feel like my life is on hold because I can’t proceed to college with this pain I am in.”

Gift is a 36-year-old man from Malawi. He maintains a livelihood by farming vegetables such as mustard and tomatoes. He lives with his two children. His wife had left them and moved back to her parents' home. On May 30th, while tending to the livestock, he was pushed by one of the goats as it made its way into the shelter. Gift fell and injured his leg. He was rushed to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, by his sister and brother-in-law and doctors confirmed Gift had fractured his leg. He is in pain and unable to walk. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On June 4th, Gift will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $636. This procedure will relieve him of the pain and help him walk easily again. Gift says,” I would be very grateful if this surgery takes place. My livelihood depends on my ability to move, and I look forward to doing that again soon.”

Ath is a 56-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. He and his wife live in Takeo province with one of their daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. His wife, daughter, and son-in-law support the family by working as silk weavers. Ath runs a small grocery stall in his village, selling packaged foods and home products. In his free time, he likes growing vegetables around their home and spending time with his grandchildren. Around two years ago, he developed a painful mass around his knee. He sought treatment at multiple clinics and used a lot of the family's savings to travel to Vietnam for further treatment in early 2024. He underwent procedures to remove the fluid and pus from the mass, but his condition has not improved. He experiences chronic pain and is only able to limp for short distances. When Ath learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On July 10th, surgeons at CSC will perform a wound debridement procedure to remove the infected tissue and help him walk more easily. Ath's family was able to contribute $100 towards medical costs but needs help raising the remaining $224 in funds. Ath shared, "I hope I can go back to work without pain and be able to walk and take care of my family again."