Twaibu is a 23-year-old man from Malawi. He works in a factory where he earns approximately USD 66.25 per month, which he uses for his basic upkeep, and to support his parents. In 2019, Twaibu was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He had first noticed intermittent swelling seven years prior, but because the symptoms were on and off, he did not seek medical attention. Over time, Twaibu has tried to manage the condition using painkillers, until in December last year when his condition deteriorated significantly. He was rushed to hospital where the protruding tissue was manually pushed back in it's position, and Twaibu was advised that he would need to undergo surgery. Twaibu was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PIH), and was scheduled for surgery on May 6th. He is hopeful that surgical intervention will restore his health, enable him to resume his work, and allow him to continue supporting his parents at home. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Twaibu receive treatment. Twaibu is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $575 to fund the surgery. He says: "Kindly help me get better. I have been experiencing terrible symptoms; the frequent swelling episodes have brought so much discomfort in my life."

Chilina is an eight-year-old girl from Cambodia. She is the only child in her family and lives with her parents in Battambang Province. Her father is an army, and her mother stays at home to manage household tasks. She is in the third grade and enjoys painting and reading fairy tales. Her favorite subject is mathematics, and she hopes to become a nurse when she grows up. Chilina was born with polydactyly of her right hand. This means that she was born with an extra thumb on her right hand. The extra thumb and stiffness of her right thumb make some hand movements more difficult. Although she can grip and pinch objects, the condition affects the appearance of her hand and causes her to feel shy when classmates and friends tease her. Fortunately, on July 21st, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, the removal of the extra thumb will improve the appearance and function of her right hand. She will be able to use her hand more comfortably, feel more confident, and participate in daily activities without feeling different from other children. Chilina's mother said, “Seeing my daughter feel shy because of her hand breaks my heart. I hope this surgery will help her feel confident and happy as she grows up.”

Zoe is a seven-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and younger brother. Her mother supports the family as a vendor. Zoe is in the second grade and likes arts and crafts. Zoe was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart, causing blood to leak through the hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen. This leaves her weak and short of breath and puts her at risk of heart failure in the future. Zoe needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On June 24th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is paying for the surgery, but Zoe’s family also needs help with the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Zoe's family overseas. Zoe’s mother shares, “Our family is so happy that Zoe was finally chosen for surgery; we have been waiting since she was a very small child!”