Brighton is 20 years old and the fifth-born in a family of six children from Malawi. He lives with his parents, who run a small-scale potato-selling business. He works as a part-time cleaner and uses his income to fund his college education. Six months ago, Brighton noticed a swelling in a sensitive area of his body. The swelling often came and started to cause pain, discomfort, and nausea, affecting his ability to work and focus on school. He was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue protrudes through a weak point in the abdominal wall, causing pain, especially during strenuous activities. He needs surgery to address his symptoms and prevent future health complications. Fortunately, on June 9th, Brighton will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $575 to fund Brighton's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Brighton shared, "Your support will enable me to continue doing my part-time job that supports my education; I look forward to making my parents happy after my education."

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."

Akshay is 18 years old and lives in Palamu, Jharkhand, India. He lives with his parents and elder sister. His father is a farmer. He studied until the 8th grade. When Akshay was six months old, he fell into a traditional cooking stove and burned his right hand. The burn caused a contracture, where the skin healed tightly, and over time, his hand became restricted in movement. He has lived with this since he was a baby. The contracture on his right hand makes daily tasks difficult. At 18, with a father who farms and a family that depends on physical work, this has been a real limitation in his day-to-day life. When Akshay learned about our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, he and his mother traveled 6.5 hours to receive treatment to release the post-burn contracture of his right hand. On July 1st, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery so he can regain function and mobility in his hand. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Akshay shared, "I want my hand to work properly so that I can help my family."