Allan is 48 years old and a widower from the Philippines. He is an auto mechanic helper and takes on other casual jobs to support his children's education and daily needs. Alan noticed a swelling near his jaw, causing him pain and discomfort. His children were concerned and urged him to seek treatment to address his symptoms and prevent other complications. Doctors recommend a parotidectomy, the surgical procedure to remove all or part of the parotid gland, which is the major salivary gland located in front of and below your ear. On June 19th, Alan will undergo surgery, and our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is asking for help to raise $1,500 to fund his procedure and care. After treatment, Alan should be able to go back to work and support his family. Alan shared, "I am grateful for this opportunity to receive free treatment. I look forward to recovering so I can continue working and providing for my children."

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."

Rodas is a four-year-old boy who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and younger brother. His father is a hardworking doctor who works hard to provide for his family and help sick people, and his mother is a stay-at-home mother. About one year ago, Rodas began to experience the symptoms of tonsillitis, which makes it difficult for him to breathe normally, and sleep well. His parents first noticed that he was snoring heavily, and often breathed through this mouth instead of his nose. The continued lack of sleep has been difficult for Rodas and his family, as he is often tired and emotional. Because Rodas's tonsillitis is failing to resolve on its own, doctors are recommending surgery to remove his tonsils. Without surgery, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify. Doctors are also worried that the constant sleep deprivation will affect Rodas's growth and quality of life, and that the mouth breathing will affect the development of his jaw and face. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Rodas, which is scheduled to take place on September 20th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Rodas of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. His parents say, "We hope that Rodas can finally sleep soundly through the night, without loud snoring or trouble breathing. We also hope that he can enjoy a healthy, happy childhood."