Ezekiel is a 76-year-old man from Malawi. He is a widower and father of six living in Nathenje, Lilongwe. He works as a day laborer and a small-scale farmer. Ezekiel lives alone in a small house which was initially temporary, but now is his permanent home. For one year, Ezekiel has noticed a left inguinal hernia. The condition has slowly taken away his strength and ability to work comfortably. He now experiences pain that stretches down into his right leg, making it difficult for him to walk long distances or perform physical labor. The work that once sustained him has become harder and harder to do. Hoping for help, he came to Nkhoma Hospital, where doctors examined him and advised that surgery is needed to correct the condition and relieve his pain. Hearing that treatment was possible brought him hope, but the cost of surgery is more than he can afford. For Ezekiel, this surgery means more than treatment. It is a chance to regain his strength, continue working, and live without the constant pain that now shapes his days. Your support will empower him to keep fighting despite his circumstances. Fortunately, on May 18th, he will undergo hernia repair with mesh surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to fund Ezekiel's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ezekiel said, “I am growing old, but I still want to work and care for myself while I can. This illness has made life very difficult for me. I do not have anyone to help me, but I am hoping that I can receive support and get this surgery so I can live with less pain.”

Eab is a 76-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a widow whose husband passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. She currently lives with her granddaughter, who works as a grocery seller. She has three children, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. In her free time, she enjoys listening to monks chanting prayers and visiting the pagoda when possible. Eab developed swelling, pain, and redness of the right knee one week after undergoing a right total knee replacement in July 2025. Due to an infected knee implant, she subsequently underwent surgical debridement in September 2025. Despite treatment, the infection has recurred, and she is currently experiencing a recurrent right knee prosthetic joint infection. To address the infection and prevent further complications, the surgical team plans to remove the infected implant, perform knee fusion, and apply an external fixation frame as part of her treatment. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 9th, Eab will undergo surgery that will help control the infection, relieve pain, and improve the stability of her leg. This is expected to improve her ability to move more comfortably and reduce ongoing complications. Eab's family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund her procedure and care. Eab said, “After the surgery, I hope I can walk more comfortably without pain. I would like to be able to go to the pagoda more easily, participate in religious activities, and be more independent in my daily life.”

Valery is a 37-year-old father from Haiti. He lives with his partner and their three-year-old daughter in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Valery works as a documentation officer at the international airport. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his friends. Valery has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly due to an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Valery needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 5th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which doctors will remove Valery's damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing $12,000 to pay for surgery. Valery's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medications, and check-up and follow-up appointments. This cost also covers securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner who will accompany Valery's family overseas. Valery said, "I am so grateful to receive this surgery so that I can focus on my future with my family."