Gift is a 46-year-old married man with five children. His wife works in a hair salon while Gift is a farmer. Gift and his family live in Malawi in a rented house without water and electricity. Gift likes to go fishing in his free time. Last September, Gift noted a swelling in his right inguinal region that subsided when he was lying down. Gift was concerned and went to a doctor. Because it was difficult for him to talk about his condition with the doctor, he simply mentioned that he was experiencing abdominal pains and was provided with pain killers. Gift took the medicine he had been given, but returned to the doctor when his condition didn't improve. After being assessed, Gift was given a diagnosis of a right inguinal hernia and he was informed that he would need surgery. The frequency of episodes of swelling has increased and his ability to work and earn an income has been negatively affected. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $575 to cover the cost of Gift's treatment. On May 3rd, Gift will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Hospital. After he has recovered, Gift should be able to return to work and go fishing again. Gift believes the operation will improve his condition and enable him to continue caring for his family. Gift said: “It’s like I am dreaming. I can’t wait to get better and be a responsible father."

Chan Heng is a seven-year-old first-grader. She lives in Kampong Chnang province with her parents and younger sister. Her mom works in a nearby garment factory, and her dad is a rice farmer. Chan Heng enjoys playing with her little sister, eating fried eggs with rice, and hopes to become a teacher one day. Approximately four years ago, Chan Heng started encountering a sore throat and challenges with swallowing, leading to frequent school absences and disrupted sleep. Chan Heng was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if left untreated, will cause her symptoms to persist and potentially worsen. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Chan Heng, scheduled for June 8th. Through this procedure, surgeons aim to remove her tonsils and adenoids, hoping to alleviate Chan Heng's symptoms and significantly improve her overall comfort and well-being. Her mother shared, "I hope everything will be easier for my daughter after her surgery. I want her to feel well at school and sleep better."

Suy is a 56 year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampong Speu province with his wife and youngest son. His other two sons live nearby, and also work as rice farmers. In his free time, Suy enjoys gardening - including growing fruits and vegetables - and looking after his chicken coop at home. Fifteen years ago, Suy had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind his ear drum. As a result, Suy experiences ear discharge, pain, and hearing loss. He has tried various medications and natural remedies, but nothing has worked. Suy sought help from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On May 17th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure on his right ear, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $926 to cover the cost of the procedure, medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Suy shared: "I hope I can solve this problem in my ear so I can hear better and stop worrying all the time."