Maly is a 62-year-old farmer from Kandal province who grows vegetables and mint with her husband. She and her husband have four children - two sons and two daughters. They also have two grandchildren. They live with their youngest daughter and son, who are both students. She likes to watch TV news and Khmer dramas in her free time. About five months ago, Maly developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Increasing irritation from the sun prevents her from working in the garden and she struggles with simple tasks around the house. When Maly learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 7th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Maly needs help raising $253 to fully fund this procedure. Maly shared, "I hope that after the surgery, I will be able to see clearly and farm vegetables with my husband. I don’t want to worry about my eyes anymore and I want to go out with confidence."

58-year-old Natchokani is a widow from a village in Dedza District in Malawi. With seven children, six of whom have passed away, she now lives with her youngest child, who is 7 years old and attending primary school. Natchokani never had the opportunity to attend school, making it challenging for her to find employment. Consequently, she relies on farming to sustain herself and her son, growing maize, beans, and groundnuts for both sustenance and income. Twenty years ago, Natchokani noticed an itch and an uncomfortable feeling in her throat whenever she was eating. Shortly after, people in her vicinity informed her of a swelling on her neck, which she eventually noticed herself. The swelling has been increasing in size over the years but she never went to seek medical help in health centers as she did not have finances to pay for treatment. Instead, she tried traditional medicine to no avail. Natchokani has continued to experience severe headaches and pain in her upper back. She struggles to swallow and sometimes has shortness of breath when she is lying down. She is unable to carry a heavy load on her head, therefore making it difficult for her to carry out household chores such as fetching water, and firewood and going to the maize mill. One day while she was visiting a patient at our medical partner's care center Nkhoma Hospital, she was seen by a surgeon who later diagnosed her with a multinodular mass, and thyroidectomy was recommended. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is requesting $491 to fund Natchokani's thyroid surgery scheduled for March 7th. Following the surgery, her symptoms will be alleviated, allowing her to breathe more easily and engage in her daily tasks without discomfort. Natchokani says, “I hope to receive treatment and resume life without this condition so that I can take care of my only son.”

Andrew is a 62-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with five children, all living in their respective homes. He presently lives with his wife and two grandchildren, growing corn to support his family. He expressed that he would have desired to pursue a different career path, but he was unable to complete his primary school education, which unfortunately restricted his job opportunities. Three months ago, Andrew started experiencing discomfort in a sensitive area, including pain while carrying out daily activities. He went to a nearby health center, and was referred to the district hospital where he was unfortunately unable to secure an appointment with the surgeon. Andrew had a friend who had experienced a similar condition, and his friend recommended that he visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Andrew was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Andrew should undergo a prostatectomy, which is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Andrew receive treatment. On April 16th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a prostatectomy to alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Andrew and his family are able to contribute $58 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Andrew says, "Treatment is what I’m looking for, and I will be glad when this condition is healed.”