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.”

Sopheany is a 59-year-old grandmother who needs eye surgery to restore her sight. She lived alone in Kratie province since the untimely death of her husband eight years ago, but recently moved in with her youngest son, a rice farmer. Fortunately, she has five sons, two daughters, and 13 grandchildren who live in the province. They fill her life with joy and keep her busy. At home, she enjoys listening to music and local news. Sopheany, a rice farmer, now stays indoors due to poor eyesight. Three months ago, Sopheany developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her an intolerance of bright or low sunlight. She describes her eyesight as seeing through very dirty glasses and is frustrated she cannot recognize the faces of her grandchildren when they visit. When Sopheany learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for eight hours seeking treatment. On March 5th, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sopheany said: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can go outside again."

Reaksa is an 11-year-old fifth grader from Cambodia. She is the oldest of four children. Reaska's mother stays home to look after the children, while her father works for a local construction company. At school, Reaska enjoys learning Math and Khmer history. Reaksa wants to become a nurse when she's older. In her free time, she plays with her siblings and the other kids in the village. She also loves to draw. Reaksa has been experiencing frequent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, snoring and coughing at night, weight loss, and recurring fevers. These frequent illnesses have caused her to miss school. Reaksa was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Reaksa, which is scheduled to take place on March 18th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Reaksa of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. After undergoing surgery, Reaksa hopes to enjoy meals without discomfort and attend school regularly.