Ulemu is a friendly 11-year-old boy, the firstborn of two children from Malawi. The family lives in a small, single-room mud-built house with a thatched roof. His mother earns a living by selling tomatoes from a small bench outside their home, and the family depends largely on this income to meet their daily needs. Ulemu's mother shared that he has been experiencing pain that often starts in his groin area, and travels up towards his abdomen, around the navel. She noticed that the pain is particularly severe during cold weather. She took him to the referral hospital several times in search of medical help, but unfortunately the surgery list was always long, and he has not been able to receive the surgery he needed. After hearing from several friends that Nkhoma Hospital was providing surgical services, she decided to bring him there. Getting to Nkhoma was not easy for the family. Because of their limited resources, even finding transport was a challenge. The journey took around five hours, and during the trip, his mother had to carry Ulemu on her lap at times. At Nkhoma Hospital, Ulemu was assessed and diagnosed with a left 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. Doctors explained that he would need surgery to correct the condition. For Ulemu's mother, finally receiving a diagnosis brought some relief, but learning about the cost of treatment brought another worry. The family could not afford the surgery fees. Ulemu's illness has also affected his education. For a boy who has recently completed his primary school examinations, his mother hopes that treatment will allow him to continue with his education without the interruptions caused by pain. Fortunately, Ulemu is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Ulemu's hernia repair surgery. The procedure will take place on August 13th and, once completed, will provide Ulemu relief from the pain that has affected his childhood and education. Ulemu's mother said, “I want my son to receive the help he needs, so that he can be well again and continue with his education.”

Lowena is a dedicated community health worker from the Philippines. She assists with maternal care and child health services in her community. She works three times a week in the field and will soon help with a measles vaccination program for children. Her son, Randy, drives a school bus, and together they provide for the family. Lowena enjoys singing in her free time and considers her fieldwork her exercise, as it keeps her active through frequent walking. Forty-four years ago, Lowena began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain, significant discomfort, and occasional bleeding. She was diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. For a long time, Lowena postponed her own treatment to care for her sick grandchild, but after seeing the child recover and learning about hospital support, she decided it was time to prioritize her health. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lowena receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on May 5th at WSFP's care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her hemorrhoids. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting the remaining $1,257 to cover the cost of Lowena's procedure and care. "Having this surgery is a huge blessing, especially for people like me who cannot afford treatment. I hope Watsi continues helping more people, because helping others brings happiness," Shared Lowena.

Neang is a 61-year-old loving grandmother from Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. She is married with two daughters, five sons, and 20 grandchildren. She lives with her husband, a retired assistant of the commune, and they are supported financially by their children. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks praying on the radio. About one year ago, Neang developed a cataract in her left 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 is not able to go places on her own. When Neang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 13th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Neang needs help to fund this $263 procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve so I can easily recognize my relatives, travel to distant places, and comfortably manage my housework."