Ezekiel is a 76-year-old man from Malawi. He is a widower and father of six living in Nathenje, Lilongwe. He works as a day laborer and a small-scale farmer. Ezekiel lives alone in a small house which was initially temporary, but now is his permanent home. For one year, Ezekiel has noticed a left inguinal hernia. The condition has slowly taken away his strength and ability to work comfortably. He now experiences pain that stretches down into his right leg, making it difficult for him to walk long distances or perform physical labor. The work that once sustained him has become harder and harder to do. Hoping for help, he came to Nkhoma Hospital, where doctors examined him and advised that surgery is needed to correct the condition and relieve his pain. Hearing that treatment was possible brought him hope, but the cost of surgery is more than he can afford. For Ezekiel, this surgery means more than treatment. It is a chance to regain his strength, continue working, and live without the constant pain that now shapes his days. Your support will empower him to keep fighting despite his circumstances. Fortunately, on May 18th, he will undergo hernia repair with mesh surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to fund Ezekiel's hernia repair surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 18th and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Ezekiel said, “I am growing old, but I still want to work and care for myself while I can. This illness has made life very difficult for me. I do not have anyone to help me, but I am hoping that I can receive support and get this surgery so I can live with less pain.”

Sarin is a 55-year-old Khmer noodle maker from Cambodia. She is married and has two daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who has a disability and is unable to work. Her two children are construction workers. In her free time, she likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Sarin developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Sarin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On October 29th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Sarin shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go back to work and not worry about my eye anymore."

Poeurt is a 43-year-old farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who manages household tasks and cares for their two children. His first child is in Grade 8, and his second child is in Grade 6. He earns a living by growing rice and lotus. In his free time, he enjoys feeding and caring for his chickens and cows. In 2018, Poeurt had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Poeurt experiences hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a history of chronic ear discharge caused by chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). The condition affects his ability to hear and communicate clearly with his family and others. His hearing difficulties make daily communication harder and may affect his ability to work comfortably on his farm. Poeurt traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 16th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is asking for help to fund this procedure. Poeurt can contribute $100, but needs help raising $263 more. Poeurt said, “I hope this surgery will improve my hearing and stop the problems with my ear. I want to work on my farm, communicate with my family more easily, and live my daily life without worrying about my hearing.”