Heang is a 36-year-old mother from Kampong Cham province. She married with two sons and a daughter. Her husband is a car mechanic and she works at a store that sells outdoor grills - they do their best to raise their family well. Her oldest son is a security guard, her daughter works in a clothing factory, and her youngest son is a student. At home, she enjoys making her family's favorite foods and keeping the house clean. Ten years ago, Heang developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, itching and redness. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind or dust and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Heang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. Heang needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225, and she is able to contribute $50. Her family needs help raising $175 to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Her procedure is scheduled for September 10th. She shared with us: "I hope after my operation, I will see better and the tearing will stop. I want to return to my work so I can earn money to provide well for my family."

Ashirafu is a young boy from Malawi. His mother, Joana, is a soya and maize farmer. Ashirafu is not in school yet. He likes playing and eating any food available. When he was five months old, Ashirafu was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia. This condition causes him pain and affects his mother's daily activities. As his mother had to take him to different hospitals, she has been unable to work regularly. Ashirafu was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center and was scheduled for hernia repair surgery on September 17th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, requests $575 to fund Ashirafu's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Ashirafu's mother said, "I am filled with joy that finally my son has been considered for treatment; I can't wait to see my son well again and start school afterward."

John is a 73-year-old farmer from Malawi. He and his wife have six children. They live with their four grandchildren. In May 2023, John started experiencing frequent urination and acute urinary retention. John was catheterized, which helped alleviate his symptoms. However, in March 2024, his illness resurfaced with worse symptoms. John was catheterized again, but the pain caused him sleepless nights. John was referred to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and was recommended for a prostatectomy, a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $530 to fund this procedure that will take place on August 29th. Once completed, it will relive him of discomfort and pain, and improve his quality of life. John says, “The surgery will enable me to regain my strength so I can continue farming.”