Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Josefe is a small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with three young children. As the eldest of four siblings, his family also depends on him. Based on the assessment, he cannot afford the cost of the required surgery. In 2022, Josefe was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. His symptoms began as a small swelling, which he initially ignored. Over time, the swelling worsened and began interfering with his daily activities. He sought help from several private and government facilities without success. Eventually, he was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), where doctors confirmed the diagnosis and recommended surgery. Fortunately, on March 10th, Josefe will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Josefe's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "My courage brought me to PIH, knowing I would be assisted and get better; Kindly support my surgery and save my life, which is in danger," said Josefe during the assessment.

Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."