Surafel is a brave and energetic 11-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and spending time with his older brother. He enjoys learning English and dreams of becoming a pilot one day. His father works as a construction worker, while his mother is a homemaker. Despite the challenges they face, his parents do their best to provide a loving and supportive home for their children. Surafel was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition that affects a sensitive area in his body. If left untreated, Surafel has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Surafel was placed on the hospital’s waiting list for surgery. Later, the hospital liaison office contacted his mother and asked her to bring him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). For Surafel and his parents, this support has brought reassurance and renewed hope. His mother is grateful that her son has access to the care he needs and is encouraged by the kindness and support they have received throughout the process. Surafel will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 1st. Surafel and his family need your help in raising $1,073 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Surafel’s parents shared their heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Our greatest wish is to see our son healthy and doing well after the surgery. We are very grateful for the support and care he has received. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this treatment possible. May God bless you all for the kindness and support you have shown our family.”

German is a 70-year-old father of seven from Malawi, who has spent most of his life doing whatever work he can find to keep his family going. Some days there is work, and some days there is not, but he has always tried to provide for his household with what little he earns. Two months ago, German started experiencing difficulty passing urine which has affected his comfort, sleep, and ability to work. Hopeful for assistance, he went to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was assessed and diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). He was given medication and advised to return for a follow up review. During his follow up clinic, doctors confirmed that medication alone would not be enough for treatment, and have recommended an open prostatectomy to restore normal urinary function. For German, hearing that surgery could help him was a relief. However, that relief was quickly overshadowed by the reality of the cost. With limited income from casual work and farming, the family has no realistic way of affording the surgery cost. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund German's procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place at Nkhoma Hospital on July 9th and, once completed, it will hopefully help him regain his health, return to his daily activities, and continue supporting his family. “I have worked all my life with my own hands, and I still want to be able to help my family. This illness has made even simple things difficult. I am praying that I can receive this surgery and live with comfort again,” German said.

Krorn is a 60-year-old woman and a retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her youngest sister, who is also a farmer. Her favorite hobbies are going to the pagoda and walking around for exercise. About two years ago, Krorn 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 Krorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 10th, doctors will perform a small incision 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. Krom said, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so I can easily get around, help my sister plant rice, and visit the pagoda."