Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, 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. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

Gabriel is 61 years old and a father of four from Malawi. Gabriel's passion is farming; it is something that has shaped his life and something he has always been proud to pass on to his children. Gabriel grows maize and groundnuts each farming season. He makes a point of involving his children in the work, teaching them the skills and knowledge he has gained over the years. For about six years, Gabriel has had a left inguinal hernia. His condition became significantly worse in September 2026 when he began experiencing abdominal pain, struggled to walk properly, and found it difficult to eat. As the symptoms intensified, he became increasingly unable to carry out his farming activities. Gabriel is scheduled for a hernia repair with mesh surgery at our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, on November 3rd. Gabriel needs your help to raise $500 to fund his procedure and care. Gabriel shares, “Farming is what I know and what I have always loved doing. I enjoy working in my fields and teaching my children how to farm, but this illness has made it difficult for me to do even the simplest tasks. My family has tried its best to raise money for my surgery, but we cannot manage the full cost. I am appealing for assistance so that I can receive treatment, recover, and return to my farm and the life I enjoyed before.”

Allan is 48 years old and a widower from the Philippines. He is an auto mechanic helper and takes on other casual jobs to support his children's education and daily needs. Alan noticed a swelling near his jaw, causing him pain and discomfort. His children were concerned and urged him to seek treatment to address his symptoms and prevent other complications. Doctors recommend a parotidectomy, the surgical procedure to remove all or part of the parotid gland, which is the major salivary gland located in front of and below your ear. On June 19th, Alan will undergo surgery, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is asking for help to raise $1,500 to fund his procedure and care. After treatment, Alan should be able to go back to work and support his family. Alan shared, "I am grateful for this opportunity to receive free treatment. I look forward to recovering so I can continue working and providing for my children."