Twaibu is a 23-year-old man from Malawi. He works in a factory where he earns approximately USD 66.25 per month, which he uses for his basic upkeep, and to support his parents. In 2019, Twaibu was diagnosed with 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. He had first noticed intermittent swelling seven years prior, but because the symptoms were on and off, he did not seek medical attention. Over time, Twaibu has tried to manage the condition using painkillers, until in December last year when his condition deteriorated significantly. He was rushed to hospital where the protruding tissue was manually pushed back in it's position, and Twaibu was advised that he would need to undergo surgery. Twaibu was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), and was scheduled for surgery on May 6th. He is hopeful that surgical intervention will restore his health, enable him to resume his work, and allow him to continue supporting his parents at home. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Twaibu receive treatment. Twaibu is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $575 to fund the surgery. He says: "Kindly help me get better. I have been experiencing terrible symptoms; the frequent swelling episodes have brought so much discomfort in my life."

Thiago is a three-year-old boy from Bolivia. He lives with his parents, who both work in agriculture, and his two older siblings. Thiago's story of being diagnosed with a heart problem is unique. He accompanied his parents in a protest march against a law that threatened their community, walking for 28 days from the Bolivian Amazon to the city of La Paz. When they finally arrived, the high altitude of the city affected Thiago's breathing, causing the family to seek medical care. Doctors then discovered that Thiago has Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart condition involving a hole between two lower chambers of the heart, as well as a blockage that affects how blood flows out of the heart. As a result, Thiago does not get enough oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. On May 26th, he will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will close the hole in his heart and remove the blockage so that blood can flow normally. Thiago's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Thiago's father shares, "We are so happy that our son's surgery has been scheduled for this week, and we hope for the best."

Almaz is a 28-year-old woman from Ethiopia. She is a homemaker and cares for her three children. Her husband is a daily laborer. Three months ago, she noticed a swelling on her leg, just right above her knee. It started to cause her pain and prevented her from doing her daily tasks. Almaz traveled to our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, to receive treatment. On July 1st, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Almaz needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure. Almaz shared, "I hope to finally move without the constant pain and stiffness that have kept me on the sidelines for the past three months. I hope I can stand, walk, and take care of my three children with ease."