Kuon is a 68-year-old grandmother from Cambodia. She lives in Battambang with her elderly husband and grandchildren. She has three children: her oldest child works as a car repairer, her second child works for a private company, and her youngest child is a taxi driver. She spends much of her time caring for her grandchildren. She also enjoys visiting the pagoda. Kuon developed a non-healing ulcer on her right cheek after suffering a burn while cooking. The wound remained open for about one year and was later diagnosed as invasive basal cell carcinoma. The ulcer has not healed and has a small area of dead tissue along its edge. Although it is not painful when touched, having a persistent lesion on her cheek affects her comfort and confidence in daily life. When Kuon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 10th, surgeons at CSC will perform a removal of the basal cell carcinoma from her right cheek, followed by reconstruction with a rhomboid flap to remove the cancerous lesion and reconstruct the affected area, helping the wound heal and restoring the appearance and function of her cheek. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $616 more to fund her procedure and care. Kuon said, “I hope the surgery will remove the ulcer on my cheek and help the area heal properly. I am looking forward to recovering and returning to my usual daily activities with more confidence.”

Zakiri is a bright eight-year-old boy from Malawi. The third-born in a family of four children, Zakiri is in Standard 2, and is eager to continue learning and spending time with his friends. His mother says he has always grown well, reaching his developmental milestones on time, and there was nothing unusual about his health until two years ago. For two years, Zakiri has had an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. At first, Zakiri would complain of abdominal pain and headaches whenever the swelling appeared. Concerned, his mother took him to several clinics hoping to find a solution, but the problem persisted. As Zakiri prepared to start another school year, she became increasingly worried that the condition would interfere with his childhood and education. In August 2026, she took him to a local hospital, where a clinician advised that he be referred to Nkhoma Mission Hospital for further assessment and treatment. For Zakiri’s mother, making the journey to Nkhoma was not an easy decision. She and her four children live with her parents, her sister, her sister's child, and her brother’s child. Zakiri's father works in South Africa and only sends money occasionally, while his mother depends mainly on farming to support the family. Despite these challenges, she followed the clinician’s advice and brought Zakiri to Nkhoma Hospital, where his right inguinal hernia was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. However, the cost of treatment was more than she could afford. Zakiri’s mother is hopeful that the support will make it possible for her son to receive the treatment he needs. Fortunately, on September 16th, Zakiri will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Zakiri's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 16th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live a healthier life. Zakiri's mother said, "I wish to see him healthy again, back in his classroom. I hope that once his hernia is repaired, no illness will stand in the way of Zakiri growing, learning and enjoying his childhood."

Kang is a 67-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is married and has seven children. She lives with her youngest daughter, who is a garment worker. Kang likes to care for her grandchildren and listen to monks pray on the radio. About two years ago, Kang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract clouds the eye's lens, 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 she is not able to go places on her own. When Kang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On October 22nd, doctors will perform a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Kang shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see more easily and I can go back to help my daughter to take care my grandchildren and go outside and do my housework well."