Veronica is a 50-year-old small-scale farmer. She has a contagious smile and an optimism for life despite the challenges she has encountered. She is a mother of six children and lives with her husband who is a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) driver. She grows maize for home consumption and sells the surplus for additional income. 10 years ago, Veronica began experiencing troubling symptoms, including a small mass on her neck. She visited several hospitals for lab tests and medication, but nothing seemed to help and the mass has grown. She has also gained weight and experiences shortness of breath and a fast heart. A friend told her about our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH) and she visited AMH's care center hoping for a clear diagnosis and treatment. She was diagnosed with an enlarged thyroid and surgery is recommended to prevent her symptoms from worsening. On October 19th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMH's care center, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $936, and she and her family need help raising money. Veronica shared, "this condition is making me weak and I can’t work like before. I want to be strong for my children so that they can receive education and get their daily needs."

Chhun Leap is an active 13-year-old boy in grade 6. He's an only child, his mother is a Khmer teacher and his father is a truck driver. When he isn't studying, he likes to play football with his friends, and read books. Since he was young, he has often felt poorly. He doesn't eat sufficiently because it hurts him to eat, Chhun Leap has been experiencing a frequent cough, sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. This frequent illness causes him to miss school and not eat well. Chhun Leap was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $241 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Chhun Leap, which is scheduled to take place on November 25th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Chhun Leap of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. "I hope my throat will feel better, and I can go to school and play with my friends again," he shared.