Gabriel is a two-year-old toddler from Malawi. His parents manage a homestead from which they earn income to support their family. They grow vegetables such as mustard, Irish potatoes, and maize, which they sell to merchants from time to time. Since he was five months old, Gabriel has had an inguinal hernia. This occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, typically in the groin area. This causes pain and other symptoms like fever, weakness, and vomiting. Fortunately, Gabriel is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery on September 3rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to cover the cost of Gabriel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully relieve his pain and allow Gabriel to live more comfortably. Gabriel’s father says, “I would really like to experience a changed attitude from him from a crying child to a much happier child after surgery.”

Srey Nith is a 21-month-old girl who lives in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia, with her parents, younger sister, and grandparents. Her mother works in a factory, and her father is a construction worker. Her grandparents help care for her and her older sister. Since birth, Srey Nith has had a zygoma or a large, dark birthmark on her left cheek and cheekbone. She underwent her first partial excision when she was six months old at a provincial hospital, but her family could not afford further surgeries. Because of the size of the birthmark and its location, Srey Nith's mother worries that she will feel uncomfortable about her appearance, and could be stigmatized by other children when she starts to attend pre-school. Srey Nith and her parents sought help from our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). On June 13th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will remove the lesion on her left cheek. Srey Nith and her family are able to contribute $75 but need help to raise $198 more to fund this procedure and post-operative care. Srey Nith's mother shared, "I hope my daughter will feel comfortable with her appearance, and not face bullying from other children."

Rapheal is a teenage boy from Rukungiri, Uganda. He is the eldest in his family and has two younger brothers. His father has a small retail shop and farms to complement his income. His mother stays at home and helps with farming to put food on the table. Rapheal dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Since birth, Rapheal has had a supraumbilical hernia. He has been experiencing pain when walking, sitting, using the bathroom and, whenever he does strenuous activities. Surgery has been recommended but his parents cannot raise the required funds. Fortunately, on September 3rd, Rapheal will undergo hernia repair surgery and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund the surgery. Upon completion, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Raphael's mother says, “I trust that with your support, my child will be able to undergo his surgery and expect a complete recovery.”