Birhanu is 75 years old and a retired soldier from Ethiopia. His wife makes handicrafts to bring in extra money. Together, they work hard to support their four children—three sons and one daughter. For more than two years, however, a growing cloud in his left eye—known as a cataract—has turned his life upside down. Birhanu's vision has become blurry and weak, making it dangerous for him to walk outside, especially after dark. Simple chores around the house have also become exhausting challenges, taking away the independence and quiet daily routines he has relied on for decades. Fortunately, Birhanu is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery with the help of our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Birhanu shared, "I hope to walk safely at night, go back to doing odd jobs to help my family, handle chores on my own, and get my confidence and active life back in the community."

Ricarson is a 45-year-old man from Haiti. He lives by himself in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince; he has seven siblings. He works primarily as an electrician, but also as a freelance journalist. Ricarson has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves of his heart does not open and close properly as a result of an infection he suffered earlier in his life. This has led to heart failure, leaving him weak and short of breath. Ricarson needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On August 12th, he will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Haitian Hearts Foundation, is contributing to the cost of the surgery. But Ricarson's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover laboratory tests, medications, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Ricarson's family overseas. Richardson says, "I am looking forward to having the strength and energy I need to live my life, and would like to say thank you to everyone!"

Milliam is 44 years old and a single mother of four from Malawi. She runs a business selling second-hand clothes. One month ago, Milliam started to experience heavy bleeding. She has been diagnosed with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia [CIN 3], a precancerous condition involving abnormal cell growth on the surface of the cervix. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus, to prevent her symptoms from worsening and prevent other health complications. Milliam was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Milliam's surgery. On September 10th, she will undergo gynecological surgery, and once recovered, Milliam will be able to resume her daily activities without having to worry about her health. Milliam shared, "I am very afraid of dying. Kindly help me have my surgery done in time."