German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.

Chhuong is a 45-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Prey Veaeng Province with his wife, who manages household duties and takes care of their three children, all of whom are students. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In April 2024, Chhuong sustained a left distal femur injury following a fall from stairs, resulting in a fracture in his left distal femur. He previously underwent surgical fixation of the left distal femur with a plate and screws in a hospital in Thailand to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. About six months after the surgery, he slipped and fell again. Since then, he has been experiencing left thigh pain for the past six months, associated with loosening of the implant. The condition has caused difficulty in walking, and he currently relies on crutches for mobility. It significantly affects his daily activities and work capacity. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 10th, Chhuong will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help relieve pain, reduce discomfort, and improve mobility, allowing him to walk more comfortably and return to his normal daily and work activities. He can contribute $50, but needs help raising $328 more to fund his procedure and care. Chhuong said, “Today, I hope the surgery to remove the hardware goes well. I look forward to the next steps in my treatment so that my pain can improve and I can walk more comfortably again.”

Rong is a 55-year-old rice farmer from Kandal province. Her husband is also a farmer, and the couple has four sons and twelve grandchildren. Some of her children work as laborers, while others are farmers. In her free time, Rong enjoys listening to the radio, especially Buddhist monks spiritual teachings. About six months ago, Rong developed an age-related cataract, which has been causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Rong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 9th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Rong needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Rong said, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyesight will improve so that I can return to growing rice more easily. I also hope to live without worrying about my eye condition."