Sarai is 56 years old and a mother of four from Malawi. She works as a handicraft worker, while her husband is a retired teacher. She traveled over 200 kilometers seeking surgical support for a thyroid condition that has severely affected her quality of life. Ten years ago, Sarai began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling on her neck. Since it caused no discomfort at the time, she did not seek medical attention. However, in 2024, the swelling grew bigger and started to cause pain. She started to experience difficulty swallowing, restricted neck movement, and challenges with daily activities, including climbing stairs. Sarai was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), where she was diagnosed with a goiter involving the swelling of both thyroid lobes. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Sarai receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on October 2nd at PIH, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Sarai said, "I can't swallow and breathe well. Your support will save my life."

Har Si is a 38-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her three daughters and son-in-law in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her eldest daughter and son-in-law run a small home-based grocery shop, while her two younger daughters attend school in the camp. Har Si is a homemaker. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies on her phone and chatting with her neighbors. In October 2025, Har Si felt a lump on the left side of her neck while bathing. She was diagnosed with a left branchial cleft cyst. She experiences fatigue and discomfort from the cyst. Although the doctors have reassured her that the lump is not cancerous, she still worries that it may not disappear. Har Si traveled to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot General Hospital, to receive care, and on July 21st, surgeons will remove the cyst. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund Har Si's procedure and provide her relief from the impact of the cyst. Har Si shared, “I feel so happy and relieved because of your support. Before this, I was worried that I would never be able to afford the surgery. I was afraid the lump might become cancerous and that I would be separated from my daughters. Now, because of your assistance, I have the opportunity to receive the surgery I need."

Chhoeung is an 80-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with children and grandchildren. He lives with his wife, and their cost of living is supported by their children. During his free time, he likes to listen to monks pray on the radio. About six months ago, Chhoeung developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Chhoeung learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Chhoeung has contributed towards his treatment, but still needs to raise an additional $213 for the procedure. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, so I can easily recognize my relatives, get around independently, and join ceremonies."