Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

Rathana is a 17-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is the first child in his family and lives in Kampong Speu Province with his parents and younger brother, who is in Grade 7. His parents work in a garment factory, and because of financial difficulties, he had to leave school and now works with them. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball and football with his friends in the village. His favorite foods are lemongrass sour soup and eggs. On June 28th, 2026, Rathana fell from a motorbike and briefly lost consciousness. He was taken to a provincial hospital, where X-rays showed a closed fracture of his left femur and an open fracture of his left forearm. Because he could not afford the recommended surgery, he later received treatment with a bamboo splint and traditional care. The fractures eventually healed in an abnormal position. His left leg is now shorter than his right, which has made walking difficult. He has been using crutches since the accident and has not yet tried walking. Although he experiences only a little pain, the shortened leg remains his main concern. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 1st, Rathana will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help stabilize the bone in its improved position and support his recovery, helping him gradually regain the ability to walk and return to his normal activities and work. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Rathana's mother said, “I worry about how much my son has struggled with his leg since the accident. I hope this surgery will help his leg heal in a better position so he can start walking again, return to his normal activities, and get back to work.”

Yemariam is a social and active 3-year-old from Ethiopia who loves playing with her friends and toys. Her mother works as a secretary at a government institution, and her father works as a driver for a private company. Since birth, Yemariam has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which tissue pushes through a weakened area around the belly button. Her mother first noticed the swelling shortly after Yemariam was born. The doctors examined her condition and advised the family that she might need surgery in the future if the condition did not resolve on its own. As Yemariam grew older and started attending school, her parents became increasingly concerned about her condition and its impact on her physical and emotional well-being. Her parents searched for a way to get her the surgery she needed. They first took Yemariam to a private hospital. The cost of the procedure was too high, so they visited a nearby health center, where Yemariam was referred to a higher-level government hospital and was placed on a surgery waitlist for the next month. During this time, the hospital referred Yemariam to our medical partner's care center. When Yemariam and her mother arrived, her mother was concerned that her condition was too complicated and she would not be able to receive the treatment she needed. After an assessment, the medical team explained Yemariam's condition and informed her mother that she could undergo surgery. Fortunately, on September 30th, Yemariam will undergo hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $512 to fund Yemariam's procedure. Once completed, this surgery will allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Yemariam's mother said, "Thank you so much to everyone who helped my daughter. I still can't believe it. I thank God for blessing you all. We had been waiting for four to five months, and now my daughter can receive the care she needed. Thank you so much to everyone and to all the Bethany Kids staff for your support and kindness."