Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

George is a 10-year-old boy from Kenya who enjoys playing and learning new things. His mother is a casual worker who earns a small and irregular income from activities such as selling fruits. Her income is often barely enough to meet the family’s basic needs. George was born unable to perceive sound, which has made it difficult for him to make friends and participate in school. He has learned to lip read to communicate, but the limitations have left him feeling isolated in the classroom when the teacher addresses him but he cannot understand what is being asked of him. Doctors have recommended that George be fitted with hearing aids. They would give him an opportunity to improve his ability to access sound and communication, participate more meaningfully in school, interact with his peers, and communicate more easily with his mother and those around him. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. George is scheduled to be fitted with hearing aids on October 2nd, and he and his family need your help raising $1,171 in order to fund the devices. Hearing aids could help restore George's confidence and give him renewed hope for his education and future. "The hope of one day hearing my son call me ‘Mom’ has been restored,” George’s mother shared.

Piseth is a 16-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie Province with his parents, who support the family through rice farming and day labor. He is the oldest of two children, and his younger sister is in Grade 8. Although he is no longer attending school, he enjoys spending time with friends and playing football in his village. His favorite meal is Korko fish soup. On February 26th, 2026, Piseth was involved in a car-motorcycle accident that caused a closed fracture of his left distal femur. He was taken to a hospital and was told he needed surgery, but his family could not afford the operation. He later received treatment from a traditional healer, who used a bamboo splint to support his injured leg. Unfortunately, the fracture did not heal properly and developed into a non-union, leaving his left leg approximately 4 centimeters shorter. The unhealed fracture has continued to cause pain and abnormal movement in his left thigh, making it difficult for him to walk and stand comfortably. He also has a small superficial wound near his left ankle. Piseth was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, for further care. On September 9th, he is scheduled to undergo a left femur osteotomy and placement of a traction pin. The surgery aims to address the abnormal bone position and shortening and support the healing of his leg, with the hope of improving his mobility and independence. Piseth's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my son’s leg heal properly, reduce his pain, and make it easier for him to walk and stand. I want him to become more independent and return to his normal daily activities.”