Mekdes is a young mother from Ethiopia. At just 22, this single mother is the heart and soul of her small family, working hard to build a life for herself and her four-year-old child. She runs a small street-side stall selling fried chips, and this humble business is their only source of income. Mekdes has been fighting chronic tonsillitis for four years. Because her business is outdoors and requires her to be on her feet all day, these frequent, painful throat infections make it incredibly difficult for her to work. When she is too sick to stand at her stall, she loses the income they desperately need, creating a constant and exhausting cycle of physical pain and financial worry. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mekdes, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mekdes of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mekdes said, "My deepest hope is to finally achieve lasting health and financial security, so I can work consistently without the constant fear that a sudden, painful illness will take away my ability to provide for my child."

Sat is a 54-year-old security guard from Kandal Province, Cambodia. He is married with three children, and he and his wife both work as security guards. His son and youngest daughter are students. In his free time, he enjoys keeping up with the news on his phone. About two years ago, Sat developed a pterygium in his right eye — a non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye — causing persistent tearing, irritation, and difficulty seeing clearly. The condition has made it hard for him to recognize faces and carry out his daily responsibilities. Fortunately, on June 17th, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will help Sat undergo pterygium removal surgery that will help him see better. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $273 more to fund his procedure and care. Sat said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, stop tearing, and can go back to work, so I don’t worry about my eye anymore."

Alejandro is a 55-year-old farmer from the Philippines. He is a father of four who supports his family through farm work, which he considers both his livelihood and a meaningful way to stay active. Only one of his children currently has regular employment and helps provide for the household, while his youngest children help him care for their livestock at home. For a year, Alejandro has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His health condition causes him pain and has made it difficult for him to continue working. It has also made it hard for him to eat comfortably, leading to weight loss and reduced strength. He hopes that surgery will help him recover, regain his strength, and return to the farm and the activities he enjoys. On September 26th, Alejandro will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Once completed, this procedure will enable him to live more comfortably and confidently. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are covering part of the cost of Alejandro's treatment, but he needs help raising $520 to fund his procedure and care. Alejandro said, "I am hopeful that, after the surgery, I will be able to eat properly and regain my strength. I look forward to feeling better and returning to the farm so I can continue helping my family."