10 year old Nicholas lives with his parents and two younger siblings in Kenya. His parents are farmers, who produce small cash crops of vegetables, maize and beans, which provide income for the family. In December, Nicholas fell out of a neighbor's mango tree, sustaining injuries to both of his hands and arms, and to his left thigh. X-rays showed that both of his arms were fractured, and the doctors also found an open wound on his thigh where the bone protruded through the skin. After undergoing numerous procedures, and infections that required multiple treatments, Nicholas, who is currently bedridden and in pain, is finally ready to have his fractured femur surgically repaired. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,145 to fund Nicholas' surgery, which is scheduled to take place on January 15th, at AIC Kapsowar Hospital. After he has recovered, Nicholas will be able to walk again without pain. Nicholas' mother says: “My son has been unwell for quite a while. I hope he gets well and will be able to go back to school after treatment.”

Yean is a retired rice farmer who lives in Kampong Cham province with his wife and their oldest son, who supports the family by working in a nearby rubber plantation. In total, they have three grown children and seven grandchildren who visit often. Yean likes praying at the pagoda, spending time with his grandchildren, and listening to the local news on the radio. About one year ago, Yean developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. When Yean learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I feel happy again. I want to go places on my own and know my neighbors when I see them."

Madalo is a 34-year-old woman from Lilongwe District in Malawi. She is married with three children; two of them school-going, and a nine-month-old infant. Madalo did not have an opportunity to complete school and therefore finds it difficult to get a regular job that can support her family. She takes on temporary jobs to sustain her family since her husband is unemployed. Since the birth of her third child, Madalo has been experiencing a swelling in a sensitive area which has been causing pain in her lower abdomen whenever she walks short distances. Madalo gave birth to all her children via C-section and so her friends all told her that the pain was normal. The pain however persisted, making it hard for Madalo to work on household chores or take on casual jobs. She decided to visit our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Mission Hospital, where she was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, and surgery was recommended. However, Madalo is unable to afford the surgery costs. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Madalo receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a hernia repair surgery to alleviate pain and prevent complications that could potentially be life-threatening. Now, Madalo needs help to fund this $500 procedure. Madalo says, “I am looking forward to being free of the pain and discomfort. Thank you for your support”