Heak is 60 years old and a hardworking rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her niece, who is a Grade 12 student. She is the seventh of ten siblings, all of whom are married. Her parents passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. Despite many hardships in life, she continues to support herself through rice farming. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and helping with household chores. In 2024, Heak was involved in an overturned car accident while traveling in Thailand, resulting in a severe fracture of her left femur near the knee. Although she underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, the bone failed to heal properly and developed into a nonunion, causing ongoing pain in her left knee and leg. Heak experiences persistent pain and stiffness in her left knee, making it difficult to walk without support. The condition limits her independence, affects her ability to work in the rice fields, and makes everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, Heak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Heak of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for June 1st. Heak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,213 more for her procedure and care. Heak said, “I hope this treatment will help me walk without support again and live without pain. Being able to move independently would mean so much to me and allow me to return to my normal life.”

Albert is a 27-year-old man from Malawi. He is the third-born in a family of six. Before his illness, he was employed and actively supported his parents, but he is currently unable to work and relies on his brother for support. Four months ago, Albert developed severe abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a hollow viscus perforation — a tear in the wall of the intestine — caused by typhoid infection. Emergency surgery was performed, during which surgeons created a stoma, a surgically-made opening on the abdomen that diverts waste when the normal digestive pathway is compromised. While the stoma has allowed his bowel to heal, it has caused him significant discomfort and affected his daily life and confidence. Fortunately, on June 17th, Albert will undergo surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. This procedure will cost $1,244, and Albert needs your support to fund the surgery. "The stigma is too much and has taken away all my happiness due to isolation, bringing in more pains, both physical and psychological; your support will help me to recover," Albert shared.

Demise is a 64-year-old farmer from Ethiopia. He and his wife work together on their farm and have twelve children. A year ago, Demise developed a cataract in his left eye and was diagnosed at a government-funded hospital. However, due to a scheduling error, Demise never received proper treatment. Now, Demise has thick, cloudy vision. He has difficulty walking on uneven ground, detecting familiar faces, and reading his Bible. Moreover, Demise finds farm work difficult and relies heavily on his family to manage his responsibilities. Fortunately, on November 4th, Demise will undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the clouded lens, improving Demise's blurry vision. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Demise states, "After a year of waiting, I only want to work my land again, see my family's faces clearly, and read my Bible. I want to stand on my own and not be a burden to anyone."