Phai is a 60-year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampong Cham with his wife. Their five children and grandchildren live nearby and visit often. In his free time, Phai likes spending time with his grandchildren, studying Buddhism, and watching the local news. Around three months ago, Phai developed a cataract in his right eye, which caused him discomfort, blurred vision, and watery eyes. He has been unable to work for long periods due to vision loss. A cataract clouded the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places alone. When Phai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 6th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He said, "I want to go places alone and not feel afraid. When my vision improves, I can work more and help care for my family."

Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”

Veneranda is an elderly lady who is married and practices small-scale farming together with her husband. She shared that she had ten children but only six are alive. One of her late children left three children whom she is currently taking care of. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Eight months ago, Veneranda began to experience troubling symptoms, including right upper abdominal pains. She visited a nearby health centre and was given medication which only assisted her for a short while. She later reported to Rushoroza Hospital where the doctor ordered some tests including a scan. She was diagnosed with choledochal cystitis and the doctor recommended a cholecystectomy, gallbladder surgery. She is currently unable to work on her small farm to get food for her family and cannot raise the required funds for the surgery. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Veneranda receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove her gallbladder on November 24th at our medical partner's care center. This procedure will cost $284, and Veneranda and her family need your support. Veneranda says, “I am praying for my surgery and being able to return to my farming soon."