Justine is an engaging and friendly woman from Uganda. She and her husband have five children and farm for a living. Due to limited land, they grow enough food to feed their family and sell the surplus to generate an income. During her free time, Justine enjoys caring for her family and home through cooking and cleaning. For two years, Justine has been experiencing lower abdominal pain, discomfort, severe backaches, and other worrisome symptoms. Due to limited finances, she has not sought medical attention before, but when her symptoms became unbearable and she could no longer work, Justine came to our medical partner's hospital. The doctor diagnosed her with uterine myomas and recommended she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. On February 28th, she will undergo gynecological surgery that will allow her to resume her daily activities free of pain once she recovers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $219 to fund Justine's surgery. Justine said, "My faith is strong that, when given a chance of your support, I will be operated on and get better. I hope to regain my strength to resume farming in good health."

Myint is a 27-year-old woman from Karen State, Burma. She moved to Thailand to be with her sister. Myint's sister works in sales and her brother-in-law works in construction. In her free time, Myint likes to listen to Burmese songs and studies Thai language online to learn to speak and read. Myint was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own as the person grows, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole and prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Because of this condition, Myint has difficulty breathing and tires easily. She feels pain in her chest and other parts of her body and has difficulty sleeping. Myint is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on April 12th at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital to correct her atrial septal defect. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Myint's procedure and care. Myint said, “I am so happy and thankful for all the donors and BCMF for helping with my heart surgery because I would not be able to afford it. I hope I will recover soon and when I am better, I want to work and save some money to go back to stay with my father.”

Thon is an 81-year-old retired teacher from Kampong Cham province. He and his wife have two daughters and six grandchildren. He lives with his wife and their youngest daughter, who works as a rice farmer. At home, he likes to listen to the news and the monks praying on the radio. In the evening, he and his wife like to take walks. About two years ago, Thon developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is unable to go places on his own. When Thon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours to get treatment. On April 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Thon and his family are able to contribute $100 but need help to raise $253 to fund the procedure. Thon said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, I can go outside by myself and read books again."