Anderson is 62 years old and a farmer from Malawi. He had hoped to spend his days tending his fields and enjoying the company of his wife and grandchild. Living in a village in Dedza District, Malawi, he and his wife have watched their six children grow up, marry, and build lives of their own. However, nine months ago, Anderson started experiencing troubling symptoms that affected his ability to farm and do his daily tasks. He was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. He started using a catheter and was given medications, but these only brought temporary relief. Physicians at our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, determined that Anderson should undergo a prostatectomy, surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. For Anderson, the possibility of treatment has brought renewed hope. Yet the cost of surgery remains beyond what he and his family can afford. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Anderson is scheduled to undergo surgery on June 11th, and needs help raising $530 to fund this procedure. Once completed, it will hopefully improve Anderson's quality of life. More than anything, Anderson wants to regain his health, return to his farm, and once again provide for his household without the burden of constant illness. He says, “This condition has kept me away from my fields and changed my life. I hope that after treatment, I can get back on my feet and live freely again.”

Raya is a four-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is a middle child in a family of three boys, and just completed KG 1. His father works as a day laborer, while his mother takes care of their home. For about a year now, Raya has been experiencing severe tonsillitis. It started with throat pain, trouble sleeping and difficult in breathing. The illness has impacted the joy and experiences of his growing up. He finds it difficult to run around, play games or interact with his two brothers. Doctors have advised that Raya needs to undergo surgery, but unfortunately his family cannot afford it. If the condition is left untreated, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Raya, which is scheduled to take place on August 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Raya of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. "We are worried about our son's health and accruing hospital bills. Our only wish is for him to be healthy, eat his food, and run around playing like any other child his age," his parents shared.

Hoem is a 66-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is married and has four daughters, two sons, and 13 grandchildren. She lives with her husband who is a rice farmer, and a daughter who is a construction worker. Hoem likes to join ceremonies at the pagoda. About two years ago, Hoem developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract clouds the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Hoem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 22nd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $20, but needs help raising $243 more to help fund her procedure and care. Hoem shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can go out and join the ceremonies. I want to be able to care for my grandchildren better."