Sandi is a young monk from Burma. He lives alongside his fellow novices and monks in a monastery. As a novice, Sandi does not have a personal income, but his family support him and the monastery provides him with food and shelter. In his free time, Sandi enjoys listening to the Dhamma. In February 2022, Sandi began experiencing blurred vision in both eyes. A CT scan revealed a cystic lesion in his brain, indicating a fluid-filled tumor, craniopharyngioma. Sandi experiences significant blurred vision in both eyes, occasional headaches and dizziness, and pain at the nape of his neck. Due to his poor vision, he cannot read books and cannot walk without assistance. Sandi sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. He is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on January 10th. Our partner is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Sandi said, "I want to express my gratitude to BCMF and donors for helping me. I would love to request continued assistance throughout my entire treatment. My desire is to fully recover my vision. Once I recover, I aspire to dedicate myself to studying and trying to become a monk."

Kenneth is a 63-year-old small-scale farmer from Malawi, married with four children aged between 18 and 35 years. All his three children have moved out of home except the last born child, who currently in secondary school and stays with an aunt in Blantyre. Kenneth practices small-scale farming together with his wife. He enjoys a meal of nsima served with local chicken and vegetables. One year ago, Kenneth started experiencing on-and-off swelling in a sensitive area. He visited two different hospitals and received the same diagnosis of right inguinal hernia. His surgery, which was originally planned for March of this year, was postponed because of high blood pressure. Currently, he is having frequent episodes of swelling and pain, and he is mostly confined to lying down as he is unable to engage in other activities. This has affected his role as a provider for his family. Kenneth's brother advised him to seek help at our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Kenneth traveled over 300km from Blantyre to the facility in Lilongwe, and his brother's wife accompanied him to hospital. Surgery was recommended to treat his condition, but Kenneth is unable to raise the full amount needed. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Kenneth receive treatment. On April 24th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery to treat his condition, ease his pain and help him live more comfortably. Now, Kenneth needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Kenneth says, “I cannot wait to receive treatment, I wish to no longer have to lay down because of my condition.”

Samoeun is a widow and retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. Currently, she lives with her only son and his family, who now manage the family farm. She likes cleaning the house, taking care of her grandchildren, and listening to the monks pray on the radio. For approximately 30 years, Samoeun has had a lesion on her skull. About five years ago, she had a lesion on her back that was removed, but no biopsy was done. Her current lesion is circular, approximately a 4 cm. x 4 cm. lesion. Because it is on her skull, she can only feel it and does not know for sure if it has grown recently. It does not cause her pain, but it is itchy and she is concerned. Fortunately, a relative told her about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and the good care given for Cambodians. Samoeun traveled three hours with her son for a diagnosis and surgical excision. On February 13th, surgeons will perform a complex excision of the skull lesion. With concerns looming over the possibility of basal cell carcinoma, they plan to remove as much as feasible, ensuring Samoeun's well-being and peace of mind. The cost of this procedure is $726, which will cover surgical care, recovery in the hospital, medications, and histology analysis of the lesion. Samoeun shared: "I am worried about the results, but hope I have no pain or infection and can take care of myself well, and enjoy my retirement with my family."