Kenneth is 57 years old and a farmer from Malawi. He is married and has five children, three of whom are adults with their own families, and the youngest two are in school. He is also a grandfather to five grandchildren. About 16 years ago, Kenneth began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling on his neck that grew over time. He has been experiencing difficulty swallowing, neck heaviness, and breathlessness, which have significantly affected his daily activities, resulting in reduced income. He has been to different hospitals but has not felt any improvement. In January this year, one of the beneficiaries noticed him struggling to breathe and encouraged him to seek care at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. He was diagnosed with a goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Kenneth receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on March 4th. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and he and his family need help raising money. Kenneth shared, "I already have 100% hope that my healing has drawn nearer. I did not expect to be supported despite having nothing to offer. I will patiently wait for my surgery turn."

Crispin is a 65-year-old father of three from the Philippines. He lives with his wife and daughter. He has two other children who already have their own families. Crispin is currently unemployed and depends on his daughter’s modest income, which only covers their daily needs. He explained that he could only undergo surgery if financial assistance were provided. Despite these challenges, Crispin takes care of himself by avoiding heavy lifting and eating healthier foods. Five months ago, Crispin 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. The condition has been causing him pain and difficulty in moving around. Crispin needs to undergo surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 15th, Crispin will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Crispin's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will ease his suffering, and lift the financial burden on his family, giving them a chance to move forward with dignity and hope. Crispin says, "I am deeply grateful to the Almighty and the Foundation for this surgery, which saves me from falling into debt and gives me hope that more people like me will continue to receive help."

Key is a hardworking 30-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Oddar Meanchey province with his parents, who are rice farmers supporting a large family. He is the third of six siblings. Some of his brothers and sisters work in factories, while others help with farming. Despite financial challenges, the family works together to earn income and support one another. In his free time, he helps his parents with farm work and enjoys listening to music on the radio. Five months ago, Key fell on a slippery road during heavy rain, causing a serious injury and paralysis to his right arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He was first treated at the provincial hospital, where he underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for a humerus fracture. Although the surgery stabilized the bone, he continues to experience significant pain, weakness, and an inability to lift his right arm properly. This limits his ability to perform daily tasks and prevents him from working effectively as a farmer. He also sought Khmer traditional medicine treatment, which reduced some pain, but his arm function has not fully returned. Key traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On March 3rd, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will regain the ability to perform daily activities and return to farming work more independently. Key can contribute $100 toward his care, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs $637 more to fund the procedure and his care. Key said with hope, “Even though the pain is better now, my arm is still weak and I cannot use it normally. I truly hope that with proper treatment, I will regain my strength and be able to work and live independently again.”