Albert is a 27-year-old man from Malawi. He is the third-born in a family of six. Before his illness, he was employed and actively supported his parents, but he is currently unable to work and relies on his brother for support. Four months ago, Albert developed severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a hollow viscus perforation — a tear in the wall of the intestine — caused by typhoid infection. Emergency surgery was performed, during which surgeons created a stoma, a surgically-made opening on the abdomen that diverts waste when the normal digestive pathway is compromised. While the stoma has allowed his bowel to heal, it has caused him significant discomfort and affected his daily life and confidence. Fortunately, on June 17th, Albert will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. This procedure will cost $1,244, and Albert needs your support to fund the surgery. "The stigma is too much and has taken away all my happiness due to isolation, bringing in more pains, both physical and psychological; your support will help me to recover," Albert shared.

Marivic is a 53-year-old mother of two from the Philippines who loves taking long walks and doing household tasks. As a housewife, she dedicates her time to taking care of her family. Their eldest son is the breadwinner of the family, while her husband works as a tricycle driver. Marivic has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She can no longer do strenuous work or heavy lifting due to the size of her breast mass. It often causes her discomfort while moving or doing chores. Her doctor advised her to limit activities that could worsen her condition. Despite these challenges, Marivic remains hopeful that help will come. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been suggested to rid her body of breast cancer and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing. Fortunately, our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) is helping Marivic receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on August 29th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP needs your help in raising $990 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Marivic will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. Marivic shared, "I am deeply grateful for the foundation’s help. Without this free surgery, I do not know when I would have received the treatment I need. This assistance has given me hope and eased the financial burden on my family."

Saroeun is a 37-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who is also a rice farmer, and their two children. Their eldest child is in Grade 2, and their youngest is 13 months old. In his free time, he enjoys taking care of his children and feeding the family's chickens. In September 2018, Saoeun was involved in a motorcycle traffic accident that caused a closed fracture of his right femur. He underwent surgery the same day at a government hospital, and the fracture was stabilized with a locking nail. Although the fracture has healed well, he often experiences pain in his right thigh during cold weather, which makes farming and some daily activities uncomfortable. The metal implant is no longer needed and is believed to be contributing to his discomfort. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 17th, Saroeun will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will relieve his pain, improve his comfort, and allow him to continue farming and caring for his family without discomfort related to the implant. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund his procedure and care. Saroeun said, “I hope removing the metal implant will stop the pain I feel during cold weather. I want to continue farming comfortably and carry out my daily activities without worrying about my leg.”