66-year-old Anna is a widow from Malawi where she lives with her two daughters, one of whom runs a saloon while the other sells second-hand clothing. Anna is in the business of renting houses. Last year, Anna noticed an asymptomatic swelling on the left side of her neck. She visited the nearest clinic where she was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for tests on her thyroid. Anna was diagnosed with a goiter and was informed she would need surgery. Surgeons at Partners in Hope Hospital are scheduled to perform a thyroidectomy on May 3rd, during which all or part of Anna's thyroid will be removed. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,015 to cover the costs of Anna's procedure and care. Anna is hoping to get better after surgery so that she can continue supporting her family as a caring mother. Anna believes that her two daughters are the greatest priority in her life and that she has to be in good health for their sake as their only remaining parent. Full of smiles, Anna said: “Thank you, sponsors. I did not know this day would come in my life; I can smile again.”

Meet Salmin, an adored newborn baby from Tanzania and the youngest in his family of four children. His father is a soldier and must spend most of his time away from home, and his mother is a teacher. Salmin was born with clubfoot on his right foot and hyperextension on his left knee. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Salmin’s parents want to ensure he receives the best care to grow up to live a healthy and fulfilling life. When they learned about our medical partner’s care center, they brought him in for assessment and treatment. Salmin will first receive non-surgical care that involves gentle manipulation and casting of his right foot. Over the course of several weeks, Salmin’s foot angle will gradually improve; then, he will undergo tenotomy surgery on May 16th. After treatment, Salmin will be able to walk easily as he grows and reaches the walking stage. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund Salmin’s surgery. Salmin’s mother said: “I have been constantly worried since I got news of my son’s condition. I am hopeful that with the right treatment, he will be fine.”

Srey Ty is a 27-year-old garment worker from Cambodia. She is divorced and has a 6-year-old daughter. She lives with her parents and daughter in Prey Veng province and works in a local factory to support her daughter and her elderly parents. When she is free, she likes to watch movies or take walks with her daughter. About a month ago, Srey Ty developed a chalazion in her left eye, causing her itchiness, irritation, and redness. A chalazion is an inflamed cyst in a patient's tear gland. It is difficult for her to work and has missed some work days, reducing her income. Srey Ty traveled for three hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On April 28th, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Srey Ty's symptoms should improve. She needs help raising $210 to fund this procedure. She shared: "I hope after surgery my eyelid will no longer be swollen and I won’t worry about it. I can go back to work to support my family."