Andrew is a 62-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with five children, all living in their respective homes. He presently lives with his wife and two grandchildren, growing corn to support his family. He expressed that he would have desired to pursue a different career path, but he was unable to complete his primary school education, which unfortunately restricted his job opportunities. Three months ago, Andrew started experiencing discomfort in a sensitive area, including pain while carrying out daily activities. He went to a nearby health center, and was referred to the district hospital where he was unfortunately unable to secure an appointment with the surgeon. Andrew had a friend who had experienced a similar condition, and his friend recommended that he visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Andrew was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Andrew should undergo a prostatectomy, which is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Andrew receive treatment. On April 16th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a prostatectomy to alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Andrew and his family are able to contribute $58 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Andrew says, "Treatment is what I’m looking for, and I will be glad when this condition is healed.”

Mattana is an only child and lives with her parents in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. Her parents are rice farmers. She enjoys watching TV and eating homemade soup prepared by her mother. Mattana was born with cerebral palsy, which affects her ability to move around and requires her to use a wheelchair. Cerebral palsy can make muscles and tendons tight. This tightness shortens the muscles and tendons over time. It can cause pain and create abnormalities in the tendons and muscles, affecting mobility. Using a wheelchair also increases her risk of pressure sores on her skin. In addition to her mobility challenges, she has a learning disability, is primarily non-verbal, and does not attend school. Because Mattana's condition is difficult to treat, she was referred by a national children's hospital to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Surgeons have determined that she would benefit from correction of her muscle spasticity - the abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscle. This will eventually help her to stand and walk. On March 5th, Mattana will undergo an ankle, calf, hamstring, and Achilles tendon lengthening. Mattana's parents now need help with the cost of the $572 procedure. After surgery, they hope she can increase her range of motion, reduce pain, and make sitting, standing, and walking more comfortable. Mattana's mother said: "I hope my daughter feels better after surgery and can go to school like other children."

Saroth is a 42-year-old mechanic who lives in Kandal province with his wife and three children. His wife stays home to take care of the children - a 16-year-old daughter, an 11-year-old daughter, and a four-year-old son. All the children are active in the local school and keep their parents busy. When not taking care of his children, Saroth likes to play soccer with friends. In June 2022, while working on a roof, Saroth fell about three meters to the ground and fractured his left humerus in the middle of his upper arm. He visited a local hospital, where a metal plate was inserted to stabilize the bone. However, it is still hard for him to use his arm and he is unable to work so his family struggles financially. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 20th, Saroth will undergo a procedure to heal his arm, which will cost $304. This procedure will help him improve his range of motion to increase strength and completely heal. Saroth is hopeful he'll be able to find a better-paying job if he has full use of both arms. Saroth said: "After surgery, I hope I have no pain and can use my arm again to work hard to support my family."