Chanchav is a 12-year-old student from Cambodia. He is the eldest of two children and lives with his grandmother in Kandal Province. His grandmother works hard as a rice farmer to support the family. His mother has moved to the city to work in a garment factory, while his father works as a salesperson for a perfume company. He enjoys spending his free time flying kites with friends. He is currently in Grade 6, likes Mathematics, and dreams of becoming a police officer one day. His favorite meals are caramelized pork and grilled fish. Five months ago, Chanchav had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the eardrum. For this reason, Chanchav experiences ear pain, ear discharge, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss. The condition has made daily life difficult for him. The pain and discharge from his left ear affect his comfort, and his hearing difficulty also impacts his ability to interact, especially in school and social activities. Chanchav traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On June 4th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $477 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chanchav's grandmother shared, “I hope my grandson can receive the treatment he needs so that his ear pain goes away and his hearing improves. It is difficult to see him struggling, and I want him to be healthy and able to enjoy his daily life again.”

Tristan is a 25-year-old hardworking provider from the Philippines. He helps support his family alongside his father and has been hoping to transfer to a higher-paying job to better provide for their household. However, four months ago, Tristan was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, which causes him discomfort and prevents him from lifting heavy objects. This has limited his options for finding new work. Fortunately, on June 5th, Tristan will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Tristan's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Tristan said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery because it will help me recover without adding financial stress to my family. I look forward to getting better so I can continue working and supporting my loved ones."

Ruth is 36 years old and a single mother of three from Malawi. She also has one grandchild from her firstborn. Ruth has experienced multiple family losses. Both of her parents and her two siblings are deceased. The only surviving relative is her uncle, who is physically disabled and fully dependent on her for care and support. She earns a living by selling tomatoes. In 2003, Ruth began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small swelling on the right side of her neck. Over time, the swelling grew bigger and began to affect her health. She developed symptoms including loss of voice, neck pain, headaches, and frequent coughing. After 15 years, she finally sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ruth receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on May 2nd at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. 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. Ruth shared, "My only hope is you; I tried all that I could, but failed. I am looking forward to your support."