Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Srey Touch is a 50-year-old mother of four from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, who lives with her husband, a fish farmer. They have four children: two work in factories, one works in Korea, and another is a waitress. In her free time, Srey Touch enjoys chatting with friends in her village and spending time with her family. About three years ago, Srey Touch slipped and fell in her backyard, causing a fracture of her right kneecap. After the injury, she sought treatment from a traditional Khmer healer, but the condition did not fully recover. Although she was initially able to walk with only mild discomfort, her knee pain has gradually worsened over time. She now experiences increasing pain and difficulty walking, which affects her mobility and makes daily activities more challenging. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 2nd, Srey Touch will undergo a fracture repair procedure. Surgeons will perform a partial patellectomy or tension band wiring to repair the fractured kneecap and improve knee function. This procedure is expected to reduce pain, improve walking ability, and help her regain greater independence in her daily activities. She can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund her procedure and care. Srey Touch said, “I hope this surgery will relieve my knee pain and help me walk comfortably again so I can return to my normal daily activities.”

Albert is a 27-year-old man from Malawi. He is the third-born in a family of six. Before his illness, he was employed and actively supported his parents, but he is currently unable to work and relies on his brother for support. Four months ago, Albert developed severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a hollow viscus perforation — a tear in the wall of the intestine — caused by typhoid infection. Emergency surgery was performed, during which surgeons created a stoma, a surgically-made opening on the abdomen that diverts waste when the normal digestive pathway is compromised. While the stoma has allowed his bowel to heal, it has caused him significant discomfort and affected his daily life and confidence. Fortunately, on June 17th, Albert will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. This procedure will cost $1,244, and Albert needs your support to fund the surgery. "The stigma is too much and has taken away all my happiness due to isolation, bringing in more pains, both physical and psychological; your support will help me to recover," Albert shared.