Kuon is a 68-year-old grandmother from Cambodia. She lives in Battambang with her elderly husband and grandchildren. She has three children: her oldest child works as a car repairer, her second child works for a private company, and her youngest child is a taxi driver. She spends much of her time caring for her grandchildren. She also enjoys visiting the pagoda. Kuon developed a non-healing ulcer on her right cheek after suffering a burn while cooking. The wound remained open for about one year and was later diagnosed as invasive basal cell carcinoma. The ulcer has not healed and has a small area of dead tissue along its edge. Although it is not painful when touched, having a persistent lesion on her cheek affects her comfort and confidence in daily life. When Kuon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 10th, surgeons at CSC will perform a removal of the basal cell carcinoma from her right cheek, followed by reconstruction with a rhomboid flap to remove the cancerous lesion and reconstruct the affected area, helping the wound heal and restoring the appearance and function of her cheek. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $616 more to fund her procedure and care. Kuon said, “I hope the surgery will remove the ulcer on my cheek and help the area heal properly. I am looking forward to recovering and returning to my usual daily activities with more confidence.”

Mary is a mother of four from Malawi. Originally from Blantyre, she moved to Lilongwe in search of employment and was fortunate to secure work as a housemaid and nanny. For three months, Mary has been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. She was brought to Partners in Hope (PIH) by her employer, where she was managed for anemia and reviewed by a gynecologist. She has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and surgery is recommended. Mary remains hopeful that the surgery will restore her health, enable her to return to work with renewed strength and concentration, and allow her to continue supporting her children and family back home. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1363 to fund Mary's surgery. On October 2nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Mary will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. "Your support will make me happy again and help me concentrate on my job again," she shared.

Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.