Srey Nich is an 18-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives with her grandmother, a retired rice farmer, and her younger sister, who is in Grade 2. Her parents divorced five years ago, and her mother works as a factory worker to support the family. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music. She is currently studying in Grade 12 and hopes to continue her education. Srey Nich was born with distal arthrogryposis, a congenital condition that causes stiffness and deformities in the joints of her hands and feet. She previously underwent surgery on her left hand at our medical partner's care center, the Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), to improve its function. Although the surgery helped, the remaining hardware now causes occasional pain and needs to be removed. On August 6th, Srey Nich will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help improve the stability and comfort as she uses her hand. It will allow her to use her hands more easily for studying and everyday activities. Her family can contribute $10, but needs help raising $368 more to fund her procedure and care. Srey Nich said, “I hope it will feel more comfortable after the hardware is removed so I can use my hand more easily for writing, studying, and all that I do everyday.”

Hav is a 77-year-old man from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who stays at home and helps care for their grandchildren. They have two sons, both of whom work as concrete mixer truck drivers. In his free time, he enjoys visiting the pagoda and playing with his grandchildren. About two months ago, Hav was cut by a piece of zinc while working at home. His wife cleaned the wound, but he did not seek further medical treatment. The area has since developed into an ulcerated tumor with an irregular border. The tumor causes pain and discomfort. It sometimes bleeds, making the affected area difficult to ignore during his daily activities. When Hav learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On October 19th, surgeons at CSC will perform excision of the left shoulder tumor, followed by histology examination of the removed tissue to determine its nature and address the affected area. A local flap will then be used to close the wound and support healing, to ease his discomfort and help him return to his usual activities. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $616 more to fund his procedure and care. Hav's wife said, “It is difficult to see my husband dealing with this painful tumor on his shoulder. I hope the doctors can remove it safely and find out what caused it. I want him to recover well, feel less pain, and be able to live more comfortably again.”

Ezekiel is a 76-year-old man from Malawi. He is a widower and father of six living in Nathenje, Lilongwe. He works as a day laborer and a small-scale farmer. Ezekiel lives alone in a small house which was initially temporary, but now is his permanent home. For one year, Ezekiel has noticed a left inguinal hernia. The condition has slowly taken away his strength and ability to work comfortably. He now experiences pain that stretches down into his right leg, making it difficult for him to walk long distances or perform physical labor. The work that once sustained him has become harder and harder to do. Hoping for help, he came to Nkhoma Hospital, where doctors examined him and advised that surgery is needed to correct the condition and relieve his pain. Hearing that treatment was possible brought him hope, but the cost of surgery is more than he can afford. For Ezekiel, this surgery means more than treatment. It is a chance to regain his strength, continue working, and live without the constant pain that now shapes his days. Your support will empower him to keep fighting despite his circumstances. Fortunately, on May 18th, he will undergo hernia repair with mesh surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to fund Ezekiel's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ezekiel said, “I am growing old, but I still want to work and care for myself while I can. This illness has made life very difficult for me. I do not have anyone to help me, but I am hoping that I can receive support and get this surgery so I can live with less pain.”