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."

Thae Thae is a 35-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her parents, two older sisters and two younger brothers, in a village in Karen State, Burma. Thae Thae is a homemaker and also has a small shop selling snacks. Thae Thae was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Thae Thae is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 23rd at our medical partner's care center, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Thae Thae's procedure and care. Thae Thae said, “When I found out that I have heart disease and needed surgery, I cried. Knowing that I do not have money for surgery, I was in despair. Due to financial problems, I couldn't sleep at night. Now that I know about the organization and the donors who will help me, I feel relieved."

Ei is a 13-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her father, two older sisters, and one older brother in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. Ei’s father and all her siblings work as day labourers in the corn fields near their village, while Ei helps with the family’s daily household chores. Her mother passed away in March 2026. In her free time, Ei enjoys playing with her friends and helping with the family’s daily responsibilities. On the 23rd of June, 2026, Ei had intense lower abdominal pain, vomiting, and a fever. She went to the local clinic near her village, where she underwent another physical examination and was diagnosed with appendicitis by the nurse. She was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, for surgery and further care. On June 25th, Ei will undergo an appendectomy. Our medical partner, Burma Medical Children Fund (BCMF), is asking for help in raising $1,500 for her procedure and care. After recovery, Ei should be able to return to her daily activities and support her family. Ei’s father expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much to this organisation [HFA-BCMF] and the donors for your kindness in supporting my youngest daughter’s treatment costs. We feel immense happiness because of your help. We could not afford her surgery, as our family can only meet daily needs if we work every day. Your support has brought great relief and blessings to our family.”