Beatrice is a friendly, outspoken, and determined woman from Uganda. She separated from her husband fifteen years ago, leaving her to care for their two sons and one daughter. Her elder son is a teacher, her daughter is a nurse operating a small medicine shop, and her younger son is in school and just finished senior year six. Growing up, Beatrice wished to become a teacher, but she had to leave school early. Despite this setback, Beatrice has worked hard to provide an education for her children from the modest income she makes from running a small retail shop. She also engages in farming to supplement her income. Over six years ago, Beatrice began to experience troubling symptoms, including an anterior neck swelling. She reports feeling that her neck veins are always paralyzed, experiencing pain when swallowing, having shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing when sleeping. As her symptoms became too severe to manage, she sought help at our medical partner’s care center. The doctors had her undergo a thyroid test and diagnosed her condition as a giant goiter. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Beatrice needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Beatrice receive treatment. On April 9th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which the surgeon will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Beatrice said, “I am hopeful for a successful surgery, and I will continue with my business in good health after I have recovered.”

SreyPov is a skilled 43-year-old weaver specializing in making silk and cotton skirts. She lives with her husband, who works in construction, and her three children in Phnom Penh province. Her 19-year-old daughter works in a restaurant, her 15-year-old daughter is in school, and her 9-year-old son is also in school. SreyPov diligently weaves traditional skirts at home, contributing to the local businesses, and takes pride in maintaining her household's cleanliness. In September 2023, SreyPov slipped on a wet sidewalk, stretched out her right arm, and dislocated her elbow when she fell. Given her family's financial constraints, SreyPov sought the assistance of a Khmer traditional healer. However, despite her efforts, her arm remains swollen, causing persistent pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 4th, SreyPov will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This surgery will allow her to resume her traditional weaving and alleviate her pain. SreyPov said: "I hope after surgery I can make cloth again and will not be in pain any longer."

Non is a 45 year-old rice farmer and father of two. He lives in Kampong Cham with his wife, son, and daughter. Both Non and his wife work in a nearby rice paddy, and farm vegetables in the off season. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and reading the news on his phone. Four months ago, Non was driving home from work on his motorbike, when he hit a pothole and fell off and fractured his left arm. Non has been receiving treatment from a traditional healer in his village, but his arm has not improved. He traveled three hours to Children's Surgical Centre for consultation. After examination and x-ray, Non has been diagnosed with a fracture of his left ulna and dislocation of his elbow joint. Since the accident, he has been unable to work full-time, and has chronic pain in his left arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 20th, Non will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will eliminate pain and improve function in his arm. He shared: "I hope I can have surgery so I can use my arm again for work and my every day tasks."