Dorothy is a 68-year-old woman from a village in the Lilongwe District of Malawi with three married children. She depends on small-scale farming as she grows maize and groundnuts for consumption and commercial purposes to support herself. Dorothy started experiencing itching followed by a lump in her left breast which kept growing in size and became painful. She visited different health centers where she was unable to receive a diagnosis or treatment until she was seen by a surgeon from Nkhoma Hospital who conducted a free clinic at her nearby health center. Dorothy was diagnosed with breast cancer and she needs to undergo mastectomy surgery. She is willing to undergo the procedure but is unable to afford the surgery. This condition has had a negative impact on Dorothy’s life as she feels pain in her breast and is worried that the cancer could spread. Treatment will relieve Dorothy of the pain and she will no longer be stressed. Dorothy is requesting $567 to fund treatment from our partner, African Mission Healthcare. Dorothy says, “I am looking forward to treatment and full recovery.”

Alexander is a 7 year-old student from Haiti. Alexander lives with his parents and younger sister in a small rural community. He is in the first grade and likes going to school and helping his family with farm chores. Alexander has a cardiac condition called double ventricular septal defect. Two holes exist between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through these holes without passing through Alexander's lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and short of breath. Alexander will need to travel to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 30th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew patches over the holes so that blood can no longer leak through them. Alexander's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow-up. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alexander's family. Alexander's mother shares: "Our family feels very blessed to know that our son can have this chance for surgery!"

Koem Long is a 21-year-old who works in construction - ever since his motorcycle accident he hasn't been able to work. He is an only child and lives with his elderly grandparents. Currently, he stays at home to assist his grandparents and enjoys watching TV in his free time. Two months ago, Koem Long collided with another motorbike on his way home from work. He fell on the pavement, fracturing his jaw and injuring his right shoulder. He went to a local government hospital to repair his fractured jaw but was told they could not repair his shoulder. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right 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. Two months later, his right arm is still non-functional. He cannot lift his shoulder or move his arm. Koem Long feels pain and is very disappointed that he cannot help his grandparents or find a job in his current condition. Koem Long traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in Cambodia where this treatment is available. On February 20th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to have movement in his hand and be able to find work. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Koem Long said, "After surgery, I hope I will be able to move my hand easily, ride my motorbike, spend time with my friends, and find work."