Gift is a 46-year-old married man with five children. His wife works in a hair salon while Gift is a farmer. Gift and his family live in Malawi in a rented house without water and electricity. Gift likes to go fishing in his free time. Last September, Gift noted a swelling in his right inguinal region that subsided when he was lying down. Gift was concerned and went to a doctor. Because it was difficult for him to talk about his condition with the doctor, he simply mentioned that he was experiencing abdominal pains and was provided with pain killers. Gift took the medicine he had been given, but returned to the doctor when his condition didn't improve. After being assessed, Gift was given a diagnosis of a right inguinal hernia and he was informed that he would need surgery. The frequency of episodes of swelling has increased and his ability to work and earn an income has been negatively affected. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the cost of Gift's treatment. On May 3rd, Gift will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Hospital. After he has recovered, Gift should be able to return to work and go fishing again. Gift believes the operation will improve his condition and enable him to continue caring for his family. Gift said: “It’s like I am dreaming. I can’t wait to get better and be a responsible father."

Srey Pov is a 46-year-old garment worker. She has been divorced for ten years and has one son and one daughter who are both students. She and her children live in Phnom Penh City. When she is free from work, she likes to listen to music on her phone. About ten years ago, Srey Pov developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and poor vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Srey Pov learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Srey Pov needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for April 28th. Srey Pov said: "I hope after surgery the irritation and burning in my eye will stop. I want to continue my work, do housework and go outside like before."

Mena is a 6-year-old girl who lives in a rural village in Cambodia with her parents and two-year-old brother. Her father is a rice and vegetable farmer, and her mother works in a nearby clothes factory. Mena's grandparents help care for her while her parents are working. She loves sports, especially soccer, and her favorite foods are fried eggs and rice. A few weeks ago, her dad noticed that she couldn't hear him and Mena says she can't hear like before she was sick with the flu a month ago. Since then, she has experienced ear discharge and tinnitus. She has missed many days of school and medication has not improved her condition. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On March 27th, surgeons at CSC will perform a myringotomy procedure to drain fluid from her ear so she can hear well and return to school. Now, she needs help raising $184 to fund her procedure and care. Her father shared, "I hope that after surgery my daughter's hearing improves and she is not in pain anymore."