Medekse is a mother of five from Ethiopia. She is a widow and lives in a busy home with her five grown children—her two sons and three daughters. They all live together so they can take turns looking after her, cooking her meals, and making sure she is safe. Four years ago, Medekse developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her reduced vision and cloudy vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. Because she cannot see well, simple tasks and moving around her own home have become very difficult. For a woman who spent her life being independent, it is hard to accept that she now must rely on her children for daily help. She is currently trying her best to adapt, searching for a balance between her desire to do things on her own and her need for her family's support. Fortunately, on July 15th, Medekse 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, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to raise $150 to fund this procedure. Medekse shared, "I hope to spend my later years moving around easily, seeing clearly, and living comfortably." After a lifetime of leading and caring for her family, she has earned the right to keep her independence and live on her own terms.

Umali is a 34-year-old young man who lives with his parents in Malawi. Umali is the fourth-born in a family of five children, and works as a temporary salesman at a hardware store in town, earning a modest income that he uses not only to sustain himself but also to support his unemployed parents. Despite the financial challenges his family faces, Umali has always shouldered his responsibilities with dedication and resilience. Umali's health challenges began in 2024 when he noticed an intermittent swelling on the left side of his groin area. Concerned about the swelling and the discomfort it caused, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. He was subsequently referred to a higher facility for further management. While receiving care at the referral hospital, doctors also identified that he had haemorrhoids, in addition to the hernia. Over time, the haemorrhoids began bleeding, leaving Umali weak and increasingly worried about his health. Doctors recommended surgical intervention for both conditions, giving him hope that relief was finally within reach. Unfortunately, however, Umali had his surgery canceled several times due to scheduling constraints at the public hospital, and a lack of resources. Each hospital visit came with high costs for transport, accommodation, food, and lost working days. After spending considerable amounts of money and enduring repeated disappointments, Umali became frustrated and discouraged. His condition continued to worsen, affecting his ability to work effectively and reducing his already limited income. As the pain and discomfort intensified, he was advised to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope (PIH). Umali hesitated for months, fearing that he would not be able to afford treatment. However, when the symptoms became increasingly unbearable, Umali gathered the courage to visit PIH. Umali's diagnosis was confirmed and he has been scheduled for a haemorrhoidectomy procedure. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $917 to fund Umali's procedure, which has been scheduled for August 6th. Umali says: "The pain is too much, I am unable to focus. I have been admitted thrice at the referral hospital, but was not operated on. Kindly help me to have my surgery, so I can get better, my joy can resume, and I can continue supporting my parents. You are my last hope."

Mopin is a 29-year-old blacksmith from Cambodia. He lives in Tbong Khmum Province with his wife and their three-year-old son. His wife stays at home to care for their child. In his free time, he enjoys playing football with his friends in the village. In May 2026, Mopin suffered an electric shock and fell from a staircase, causing a fracture-dislocation of his left shoulder. After the accident, he received traditional treatment, but his pain and limited shoulder movement did not improve. Nearly two months later, he visited a local health center, where an X-ray revealed a fracture-dislocation of the left humeral head. He continues to experience severe shoulder pain, deformity, and restricted movement, making it difficult to lift or use his left arm. As a result, he is unable to work as a blacksmith or perform many everyday activities independently. Mopin was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for specialized care. On July 15th, Mopin will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fractured shoulder, restore its alignment, reduce pain, and improve arm movement so he can return to work and daily activities. He can contribute $50, but needs help raising $550 more to fund his procedure and care. Mopin said, "I hope this surgery will take away my shoulder pain and help me move my arm normally again. I want to return to work and take care of myself without depending on others."