Tharith is a 38-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who is a construction worker, and their three children. At home, he likes to watch the news and chat with his neighbors. Tharith has had ear issues since he was a child. Over time, he has lost hearing in both ears, making it difficult for him to communicate with others. Recently, he experienced an ear infection that caused the eardrum in his left ear to perforate. This has led to increased pain as well as tinnitus, sometimes affecting Tharith's ability to work on the farm. Tharith traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to receive treatment. On March 14th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. CSC is requesting $487 to fund the procedure, medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Tharith said, "I hope my ear will get better, my hearing will improve. I am afraid this illness might give me brain problems."

66-year-old Anna is a widow from Malawi where she lives with her two daughters, one of whom runs a saloon while the other sells second-hand clothing. Anna is in the business of renting houses. Last year, Anna noticed an asymptomatic swelling on the left side of her neck. She visited the nearest clinic where she was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for tests on her thyroid. Anna was diagnosed with a goiter and was informed she would need surgery. Surgeons at Partners in Hope Hospital are scheduled to perform a thyroidectomy on May 3rd, during which all or part of Anna's thyroid will be removed. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,015 to cover the costs of Anna's procedure and care. Anna is hoping to get better after surgery so that she can continue supporting her family as a caring mother. Anna believes that her two daughters are the greatest priority in her life and that she has to be in good health for their sake as their only remaining parent. Full of smiles, Anna said: “Thank you, sponsors. I did not know this day would come in my life; I can smile again.”

Sophal is a 56-year-old farm manager from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal province with his wife, daughter, and toddler grandson. His wife stays home to care for the house and their grandson, and his daughter is a factory worker. At home, he has a small vegetable farm to grow vegetables that supplement their diets. Twenty years ago, Sophal was in a motorbike accident and fractured his femur. At a government hospital, he had an open reduction and external fixation procedure. After the pins of the external fixation device were removed, he experienced a small infection. This infection has gotten worse since he injured the same femur again several years ago. He has visited a traditional Khmer healer, but the infection has remained. He suffers from pain and swelling. The abscess from the former pin site still oozes and he has difficulty walking or working. When Sophal learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. On April 28th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound. Now, Sophal needs help to fund this $324 procedure. Sophal said: "I hope after surgery, my leg wound will heal and the pain will stop."