Bekam is an active and curious seven-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and riding his bicycle. Bekam is a Grade 2 student and lives with his mother in a rented house. His mother is a kindergarten teacher and a single parent. When Bekam was seven days old, his mother had taken him to clinic when a doctor diagnosed him with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. Bekam and his mother were referred to a higher-level hospital for further evaluation and treatment. At the hospital, Bekam was examined and underwent an ultrasound scan. He was then placed on a waiting list for surgery. After about a month, Bekam’s mother was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Bekam receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 7th, and needs $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Bekam’s mother said: “Thank you so much to everyone at BethanyKids for giving my son this opportunity to receive the care he needed. I am very grateful for your support and for giving families like ours this chance. I wish Bekam good health and a bright future. I also wish peace and successful surgery for Bekam and all the children who will come after him. May God bless everyone at BethanyKids for the wonderful work you are doing.”

Kong is a 64-year-old widow and mother of three from Cambodia. She lives with her second child, who sells groceries. Kong is retired and enjoys tending to vegetables around her house in her free time. In June 2014, Kong was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in fractures of her left forearm and elbow. Kong was treated by our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, whose surgeons performed plate fixation and a bone graft. These procedures were successful, and Kong regained good mobility in her arm. However, she still experiences pain when moving her left elbow. Now, surgeons recommend a procedure to remove the metal plate that was implanted during her initial surgery. On September 3rd, Kong will undergo a hardware removal procedure to help reduce the discomfort around her left elbow and make arm movement more comfortable, helping her manage her everyday activities with greater ease. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $353 more to fund his procedure and care. Kong said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain in my elbow and make it easier for me to move my arm. I look forward to feeling more comfortable and being able to carry out my daily activities without the discomfort I have lived with for so long.”

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."