Jojina, a single mother from Malawi, is 52 years old and has five children ranging in age from 15 to 29. They all live together in a two bedroom house, in addition to Jojina's mother, her uncle who is blind, and her four grandchildren. She earns a living by brewing and selling a local brew. Fifteen years ago, Jojina noted a small swelling on her neck that was not painful at the time. At first, she thought it would go away on its own, but it instead got bigger. She visited different herbalists to no avail. In 2022, she visited a nearby hospital, and was referred to the regional hospital, where after examinations, a diagnosis of goiter was made. She was sent home and asked to wait for her surgery date. Early this year, she started experiencing breathlessness and neck pain. She is presently unable to carry heavy items on her head and can no longer work as usual, which has significantly reduced her income. Jojina made a decision to visit our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), after hearing that other people with similar problems had been assisted at the center. Early this month, her diagnosis was confirmed at PIH and a surgical intervention called thyroidectomy was recommended. Jojina could however not afford the cost of treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jojina receive treatment. On April 9th, surgeons at PIH will perform a thyroidectomy to alleviate pain and discomfort, and allow Jojina to resume work and continue supporting her family. Now, Jojina needs help to fund this $1,015 procedure. Jojina says, “I am patiently waiting to be free from my symptoms, be able to work pain-free, and carry items on my head after surgery.”

Sovannara is a nine-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Kampong Chhnang province in Cambodia. Both his father and mother work as rice farmers. Sovannara is currently in grade four and particularly enjoys studying Khmer language and history. He aspires to become a teacher. When Sovannara was a baby, fell off a bed, resulting in a neck injury. He has been suffering from torticollis, the twisting of the muscles on the left side of his neck, which leads to tightness and shortening of the muscles. Consequently, Sovannara's head tilts to one side, and one shoulder appears elevated compared to the other. Turning his head to the right is arduous and painful for him. Sovannara has not received any prior medical treatment for his condition, because his parents cannot afford to pay for his care. Fortunately, they were referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for diagnosis and treatment. On April 5th, Sovannara will undergo a procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to release the sternocleidomastoid muscle on the left side of his neck. After the procedure, Sovannara will be able to bend his neck and turn his head without difficulty. Sovannara needs $572 to fund this procedure. Sovannara's father said, "We hope our son will be able to control his neck and can join in daily activities in school and at home."

Thein is a seven-year-old student from Burma. She lives with her mother and grandfather and is currently a first-grade student. Her father works as a driver at a toy factory in Bangkok and Thein’s mother stays home to care for her. The family relies on her father’s income, which is enough to cover their daily expenses. They are able to pay for basic healthcare, but they cannot afford expensive treatment costs. During her free time, Thein enjoys helping her mother with household chores. Currently, Thein faces difficulty seeing objects clearly, requiring the use of thick eyeglasses. Additionally, she must sit in the front row of the classroom, near the blackboard, to follow her teachers’ lesson. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Thein. On February 16th, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Thein's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she and her family need help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Thein’s mother said, “Thank you [BCMF and donors] for helping my daughter to get a good and clear vision. I pray for the donors to have wealthy lives and continue helping others.” Thein also said, “I want to be a teacher when I grow up and thanks for your help.”