IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital

Selina is an 84-year-old mother of six. Her husband died over 40 years ago, and she has raised her children by herself since, even with financial challenges. To earn an income, Selina made traditional brew until 2023 when she could not continue due to her medical condition. About six years ago, Selina noticed that her vision was getting blurry, but she assumed it was part of growing old. Her vision continued to deteriorate until she could no longer do her daily chores. Today her vision is so poor that she walks with the support of a white cane. In 2023 she totally lost her eye sight in one eye. Selina has been diagnosed with a cataract, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, especially in bright sunlight, and she is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Selina learned about our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, she traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On July 9th, doctors will perform cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. She needs help to fund this $244 procedure. Selina says, "I pray for the surgery to go well. I wish to get my sight again and resume my normal duties so I can relieve my daughter to take care of her own family."

Aiden is a three-year-old boy from Kenya. His mother was a student when she was pregnant with Aiden, so Aiden grew up in the care of his grandmother. Aiden was an energetic little boy who loved chasing bubbles, kicking a ball, and laughing with other children. However, his mother and grandmother both noticed a swelling in a sensitive area of his body. Over the past year, it has grown bigger and started to cause discomfort and pain. He now complains through tears after walking, running, jumping, or playing active games because the swelling feels heavy and uncomfortable. Instead of joining his friends, he often watches from a distance or quietly hides in lonely corners when asked to play. Aiden has a persistent hydrocele affecting the right side of his scrotum. The swelling has progressively increased in size and is associated with heaviness, discomfort during movement, and reduced participation in normal childhood activities. Left untreated, a communicating hydrocele may continue causing symptoms and can be associated with an underlying inguinal hernia. Doctors recommended a herniotomy, a safe and commonly performed paediatric operation that closes the abnormal opening responsible for the fluid collection. The procedure is expected to relieve his discomfort, resolve the swelling, prevent future complications, and allow him to return to normal growth, play, and social interaction. Our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, is helping Aiden undergo surgery on July 8th. They need help raising $584 to fund his procedure and care. For Aiden, this operation is about much more than correcting a swelling. It is an opportunity to reclaim the simple joys of childhood—to run without pain, chase bubbles across the compound, kick a ball with friends, laugh without discomfort, and grow with the confidence every child deserves. Aiden's grandmother shared, "I am highly expectant that my grandchild will be healed after the surgery, and I cannot thank you enough."

Julius is a 78-year-old subsistence farmer whose wife died four years ago. He has 10 children, who are all married, and although they care deeply for him, they struggle to support him because most depend on irregular casual work. Julius is a proud grandfather to 26 grandchildren. He earns a living by cultivating a quarter-acre piece of rocky land on the remote slopes of Mt. Elgon. Despite his determination to work, his failing eyesight has taken away the independence that once allowed him to provide for himself. About three years ago, Julius developed cataracts on both eyes, which is characterized by the clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Through a free eye surgical camp, he received surgery on his right eye whose vision was more impacted than the left. Recently, Julius learned about our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, and came to seek treatment for his left eye. He has been scheduled for surgery on July 9th and is hopeful that after recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Julius needs help to fund this $244 procedure. He says ,"I am seeking support to get this surgery so that my sight can be restore. I wish to recognize all my grandchildren clearly and resume my daily work as I used to. Depending on people for help even in the simplest tasks is a real burden.”

Margaret is a 76-year-old widowed mother of two, who has worked tirelessly to provide for her family since her husband's death 13 years ago. Through growing bananas, maize, and beans and keeping poultry, she earned enough to support her children's education. Her daughter was enrolled in a Food and Beverage course, while her son began studying Mechanical Engineering, giving the family hope for a brighter future. Everything changed last year when Margaret's vision began to fail. Unable to continue farming, she lost her family's main source of income. With no money for school fees, both children were forced to defer their studies. Her son now works as a herds boy to help the family survive, while her daughter, who recently gave birth, remains at home caring for her one-month-old baby. Despite her own visual impairment, Margaret is forced by the situation to support both her daughter and new born grandchild. Margaret started having blurred vision in 2023 and she was given eye drops that didn't help. She was later referred to our medical partner's care center, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, by a friend who had her surgery there. She traveled two hours to get to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with cataract in her left eye. The condition causes her to be increasingly sensitive to bright sunlight, and her vision appears cloudy, as though she were looking through a foggy window. Reading, sorting farm produce, and carrying out household chores became challenging, and she often struggled to judge distances or walk confidently on uneven paths. Over time, her vision worsened to the point that she could no longer farm as she sometimes picked weeds thinking they were crops. She at one time even fell and broke her leg. Margaret's cataract surgery has been scheduled for July 9th. During the procedure, doctors will perform an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Margaret needs help to fund this $244 procedure. She says, "I am overwhelmed with joy for the opportunity to receive this treatment. I never knew that a well wisher who would listen to me as a widow. I am forever grateful. God bless you."

David is a 32-year-old young man from Kenya. As the fourth born child in a family of seven children, life has not always been easy. David has however remained hardworking and determined. He has one 12-year-old daughter who is being raised by her grandmother, following David and his wife's separation. To earn a living, David takes on casual jobs at construction sites. In his free time, he is an active participant in sports, and has been on volleyball and athletics tournaments in the recent years. David had gone out to buy vegetables one evening when he was attacked by robbers. In the assault, he sustained severe injuries and lost consciousness. Good Samaritans rushed him to the nearest health facility, where he was stabilized before being urgently referred to IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, for specialized care. Investigations revealed a complex fracture of his left upper arm. Doctors attempted a closed reduction but due to the nature of the fracture, they have now recommended an Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) procedure as the definitive treatment to restore function and prevent long-term disability. Unfortunately, David cannot afford the cost of surgery. As a casual laborer, the injury left him unable to work, worsening his financial situation and placing an even greater burden on his family. Our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, is helping David receive treatment. On July 10th, he will undergo a fracture repair surgery to help regain the use of his arm, rebuild his life, and provide for his young daughter. Now, David needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. He says: "I look forward to using my hand again without pain, so I can return to work, care for my family, and do the everyday tasks I have been unable to do. I am hopeful this surgery will restore my strength, independence, and allow me to live a normal life again."

Joina is 62 years old and the second-born in a family of 14 siblings from Kenya. She was married and had three children, but all of them passed away. She separated from her husband and now lives alone and plants and sells vegetables. She also rears chicken but a recent disease swept them all. She likes spending most of her time with other people's children. Every 1st of January, she cooks the little she has and welcomes several children to celebrate the new year with them. Five years ago, Joina developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, itching, and sensitivity to light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. Joina visited our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, for treatment. On July 15th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $244 procedure. Joina shared, "Thank you, Dreamland and Watsi. I was diagnosed with cataracts here, but I was not able to afford the funds, and you came looking for me. I really appreciate it."

Aggrey is an 81-year-old man from Kenya, married with four children. He has spent most of his life cultivating maize and coffee on his small farm. He enjoys tending his crops and caring for his livestock, which have always been an important source of food and income. His children earn a living through casual jobs such as construction work and boda boda riding to help support the family. Recently, the family suffered a painful loss when their only cow accidentally fell into a pit latrine and died, leaving them without a valuable source of milk and income. In 2002, Aggrey started experiencing persistent itching and excessive tearing. He sought treatment at a hospital, and was prescribed eye drops, which relieved his symptoms. However, due to financial hardship, he was unable to maintain his national health cover throughout 2024 and 2025, forcing him to stop follow-up care and medication. Over time, his vision gradually worsened. Early last month, he went back to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a cataract, which is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Unable to afford surgery treatment, he returned home and continue living with the condition despite his worsening eyesight. Presently, he is not able to farm, go to church, or to the market on his own. He shares that he misses attending village barazas. When Aggrey learned about our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, he traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On July 15th, doctors will perform intra ocular lens implant and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, Aggrey needs help to fund this $244 procedure. Aggrey says, "Please help me have my sight restored. I feel like I overburden people as I cannot do things on my own. I really thank you for your great kindness."

Rosemary is an 80-year-old woman from Kenya. She is a widow with seven children and several grandchildren. Rosemary has spent most of her life cultivating a small piece of land, growing Irish potatoes, beans, and vegetables to feed her family and earn a little income at the local market. Two years ago, Rosemary developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience gradual worsening blurred and cloudy vision, making it increasingly difficult for her to read, recognize faces, and carry out her daily farming activities. She had also been becoming more sensitive to bright light, while colours appeared duller, and her night vision had been declining. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Rosemary learned about our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, she traveled for two hours to access treatment. On July 15th, doctors will perform an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $244 procedure. Rosemary shared, "I never appreciated having good eyesight because I thought it was something obvious and guaranteed until I lost it.. Since then, I have learned to appreciate every day of life and every effort that people put into supporting me, because I highly depend on them. Thank you for sharing the little you have with the vulnerable and the open arms to receive me and give me this treatment that will not only restore my sight but also my independence."

Joseph is 70-year-old father of 15 children, from Kenya. To earn a living, he works as a small-scale farmer. Joseph also plays the role of a village elder within his community, and is also a retired pastor. He lives with one of his sons and most of his grandchildren, as their parents left the village to go work as casual laborers. Over 20 years ago, Joseph developed a swelling in his lower abdomen area. He was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. He underwent surgery in 2006, but years later, the condition recurred. Joseph sought medical treatment from our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Hospital, where the condition was confirmed. He needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse, and to prevent severe risks like strangulation, which can lead to tissue death. Fortunately, on July 15th, Joseph will undergo hernia repair surgery, which once completed, will allow him to live a healthier life. Joseph's son says: "My father had the same condition years ago and received treatment, but the same condition has recurred. We really hope that we get a definitive solution this time."

Gladys is 70 years old and a mother of five from Kenya. She is a farmer and lives with her 18-year-old grandchild. She lives in the remote areas of Mt. Elgon, where road infrastructure is poor, and as a result, most of her small farm's produce doesn't reach her customers on time, leading to wastage. Five years ago, Gladys developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and a gradual loss of vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Gladys learned about our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, she traveled for 2 hours seeking treatment. On July 15th, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery with an implant 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 $244 procedure. Gladys shared, "I am happy, thank you for your help."

Ramsey, who is five years old, lives with his great-grandmother in Kenya. His mother abandoned him two months after he was born, and the family does not know where she is. Shortly after Ramsey's birth, it was noticed that he had a hydrocele, a collection of fluid in the scrotal sac, causing it to swell. His great-grandmother has always relied on herbal remedies when he experienced childhood illnesses, but she did not know where to find help for this condition. To make a living, she works in other people's farms, and no one in her family offers any assistance in caring for Ramsey, as they see him as a bad omen. However, she is aging, making it increasingly difficult for her to continue working. Ramsey's hydrocele has progressively increased in size. At times it swells to the extent that Ramsey is unable to walk or play. His great-grandmother reports that it causes significant discomfort, and is sometimes quite painful. Until recently, she had been unable to access treatment for Ramsey. Now there is hope, thanks to our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital. Ramsey's hydrocele repair surgery has been scheduled for July 16th. Our medical partner is requesting $584 to fund his treatment, which will relieve his painful symptoms, allowing him to live a healthier life. Ramsey's great-grandmother says: "God bless you abundantly. I did not have any other way to help Ramsey. I am here getting the best services. I cannot thank you enough. This child will one day change my situation. I am not giving up on him."

Beatrice is a 54-year-old devoted mother and lifelong farmer. For most of her life, Beatrice has relied on her own hands. She cultivated maize, vegetables, and sweet potatoes, selling part of each harvest to feed her family and educate her children. She and her husband currently have four children and also endured the painful loss of two others. Although her children are now adults, Beatrice hoped to remain active on the farm and continue contributing to the household. Instead, illness has separated her from the work she loves. She can no longer cultivate crops, carry water from the stream, or manage ordinary household duties. A woman who once produced food for others must now rely on relatives and well-wishers for basic necessities. In 1990 Beatrice first noticed a small swelling around her navel during her first pregnancy. She believed it was a normal pregnancy-related change and expected it to disappear after delivery. Instead, it remained and slowly enlarged over the years. Recently, however, the swelling has increased rapidly and became much more uncomfortable. At a nearby dispensary, she was given pain medication and advised that the swelling might resolve if she gained weight, but the problem continued to worsen. By the time she sought further care, walking, sleeping, farming, collecting water, and controlling her bladder had all become increasingly difficult. Beatrice has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area that occurs due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Apart from the physical symptoms, the condition has also affected her only dependable source of income. Without being able to farm, she struggles to obtain food, meet household needs, or save towards treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, IcFEM Dreamland Mission Hospital, is helping Beatrice receive treatment. On July 29th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery to improve her health and enable her to resume her daily duties, including farming. Now, Beatrice needs help to fund this $696 procedure. She says, “I had reached a point where I thought this illness would take my life, because I had no money for treatment. Farming has always been my strength and the way I cared for my family. I believe that after surgery, I will be able to stand again, return to my farm, and rebuild the life this illness has taken away from me.”