Ashan is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from Malawi. He is married with six children; five of them married, and one who is a secondary school student. Ashan lives with his wife, their last born child and four grandchildren. To support his family, he cultivates maize and beans, and also rears domestic animals like goats and chicken. Three months ago, Ashan started experiencing trouble with urination and bowel movements. He decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where a catheter was placed. The solution worked for some time but later on, he started experiencing pain at the catheter site, and it became increasingly difficult for him to walk long distances and engage in his farming activities. He went back to the hospital where he was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate. Surgery was recommended, but Ashan could not afford the cost of the procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Ashan receive treatment. On April 16th, Ashan will undergo a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. The surgery will help treat his condition and improve his quality of life after recovery. Ashan and his family are able to contribute $87 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Ashan says,” I am looking forward to feeling better after the treatment.”

Lina is a 46-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She and her husband have two sons: a 22-year-old son who is a university student, and a 3-year-old son Lina cares for at home. In addition to rice farming, Lina and her husband have a vegetable garden and chickens to supplement their diet or generate income by selling produce at the local market. One year ago, Lina developed an ear infection that caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. As a result, Lina experiences persistent ringing sensations and discharge and has undergone a gradual decline in her ability to hear. This impairment has significantly impacted her communication with her family, often leaving her feeling unwell and disconnected from her surroundings. Lina traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 16th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $487 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Lina contributed $100 to her care. Lina shared: "I hope, after surgery, I will have no more infections, and I will feel good again to take care of my family."

Rachana is a 31-year-old widow from Cambodia. She lives with her parents and her 11-month-old son in Prey Veng province. Tragically, her husband passed away when they were in a motorbike accident two months ago. Her parents are rice farmers, while Rachana takes time off from the rice fields to care for her son. As a result of the motorbike accident in February 2024, Rachana sustained fractures in her left forearm and clavicle that caused paralysis of the left arm. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She cannot lift her arm, making it difficult to carry her infant son or think about going back to work in the rice fields. Rachana traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in the country where this treatment is available. On April 23rd, she will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she should be able to use her arm again. Rachana's family is able to contribute $100 but requires $609 more to fund this procedure. After the surgery, Rachana hopes to be able to move her arm easily and plans to return to work eventually.