Bokosi is a 43-year-old father from Chimaliza Village, Lilongwe District, Malawi. He is the last born in a family of 14 children and has four children in primary school. Bokosi depends on growing maize and groundnuts, as well as selling charcoal, to support his family. For four years, Bokosi has been experiencing swelling on the right side of his scrotum. He never thought of seeking medical help until the swelling became painful; he decided to seek help at a nearby health center in his area, where he was prescribed drugs, but to no avail. Bokosi then decided to visit Nkhoma Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia and was scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery. Due to a lack of funds, Bokosi was referred to the SAFE program with a pledge to pay what he could afford. On May 9th, Bokosi is scheduled for hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner African Mission Healthcare. This condition has had a negative impact on Bokosi’s life as he is unable to work on his farm and business due to the pain brought on by the condition. Treatment will free Bokosi of the pain and prevent complications that can arise if the condition is left untreated, such as strangulation, which can be life-threatening. Boksi needs your help to fund this $500 procedure. Bokosi says, "Thank you for this opportunity. I am looking forward to a full recovery after treatment."

Vibol, who is 12 years old, is a student living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with his parents and three younger siblings. His father works in construction, while his mother stays at home to care for the children. Vibol particularly enjoys studying mathematics and would like to be an engineer when he grows up. Four years ago, Vibol had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind his ear drum. As a result, Vibol experiences ear fullness/pain, foul-smelling ear discharge, and increasingly poor hearing. He has not had any treatment because his family cannot afford the cost of medication. It is difficult for Vibol to communicate with others due to his poor hearing and he is often absent from class. Vibol and his family sought the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On May 4th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy on his left ear at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma so that Vibol will no longer experience his current symptoms. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This money will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Vibol said: "I hope that my ear will stop the discharge and pain. When my hearing is better, I will feel better and do well in school."

Denis is a 22-year-old motorbike driver - the third born in a family of six. His parents separated and now he lives with his mother. He shared that he dropped out of school in grade seven because his parents were not in a position to provide for all of them. His other siblings have been adopted by family members. Denis is single and is hoping to marry when he has a stable income. Currently, he is employed riding a motorbike as a taxi and his daily income is not always guaranteed. Denis needs to undergo surgery so that he can continue doing his normal activities and also reach his desired life of having a stable income and a family. When Denis visiting our medical partner's hospital, he was walking with a crutch and could not put any weight on his left leg. He had an x-ray film that showed a complete fracture of his left femur. His condition causes him pain and he is unable to continue with his work. Denis' family is not in a position to pay the medical fees, and his treatment will be a big financial burden to them. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On April 13, Denis will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Denis needs to undergo surgery so that he can continue doing his normal activities and also reach his desired life of having a stable income and a family. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1145 to fund this procedure. Denis says, "It has been hard to carry out my normal duties. I really look forward to getting well so that I can fully depend on myself as before.”