Meng Huot is a four-year-old boy who lives with his four older siblings and parents. His father works in construction, and his mother is a seller at the market. Meng Huot enjoys watching TV, playing with toys, and playing games with his siblings. In the future, Meng Huot wants to become a policeman. For the past month, Meng Huot has had difficult swallowing and breathing. Eating food has become painful, and he is unable to eat many of his favorite foods like fried eggs and soy milk. Doctors at Children's Surgical Centre discovered that Meng Huot's tonsils are enlarged, which is causing the discomfort he feels. On November 11th, surgeons will perform and adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy on Meng Huot to ensure that he can return to breathing and swallowing with ease. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $241 to fund his procedure. Once recovered, his quality of life will significantly improve and he will once again be able to eat his favorite foods. Meng Huot's mother shared, "I hope after this surgery my son can be back to normal and in good health again."

Kobusingye is a farmer from Uganda. Kyobusingye is a widow and a mother to four children; three girls who are all married and a son who is still in school but is also a small-scale farmer. She has been able to school send all of her children to school on her own by farming. She mostly grows food crops to feed her family but sells the surplus for essential needs and to pay school fees for her son. Three years ago Kobusingye began experiencing severe lower abdominal pain with persistent vaginal bleeding. She has been diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Kobusingye's surgery. On July 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Kobusingye will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Kobusingye shared, “I hope to get better quality of health after surgery so I can continue with farming to educate my son for a brighter future.”

Candle is a seven-year-old student from Burma. He lives with his family in Htee San Ra village, Myawaddy Township, Karen State. During his school holiday, Candle was riding with his uncle and grandmother on a motorbike. While they were going down a hill, the motorbike slid and fell onto Candle’s left thigh, breaking his femur bone. Currently, Candle is in pain, and he cannot move his leg. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Candle will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for October 15 and will cost $1,500. This procedure will help Candle to be free from pain and walk again. His father says, “This is the first time that an accident has happened to someone in our family. We are both very upset to see our son suffer from the pain and as a father I feel sorry for him and I cannot sleep well."

Natukunda is a woman from Uganda. She has one daughter. She works as a maid. For four years, Natukunda has experienced lower abdominal pain and unusual gynecological symptoms. She often has a backache. This has impacted her quality of life. Natukunda has been diagnosed with an ovarian mass. She needs to undergo a cystectomy to treat her condition. Treatment is scheduled for December 19 and will cost $220. Natukunda says, “I wish my hopes can be restored to enable me have good health after surgery.”

Simon is a baby from Kenya. He is being raised by a single mother who has been unable to find employment. Simon has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Simon has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Simon will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Simon that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 19 and will drain the excess fluid from Simon's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Simon will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Simon’s mother says, “I am hopeful that my son will access and lead a normal life."

Ngonzi is a farmer from Uganda. She is widow and a mother of three children. For three months, Ngonzi has been experiencing heavy and prolonged bleeding and lower abdominal pain. She has been diagnosed with symptomatic fibroids. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $268 to fund Ngonzi's surgery. On December 18, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Ngonzi will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. She says, "After surgery I will be happy and resume working in my fields."

Yorn is a grandfather from Cambodia. He enjoys going to the pagoda. One year ago, Yorn developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurry vision and sensitivity to light. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Yorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On November 30, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $398 procedure. His son says, "I hope my dad can not be blind anymore and go places by himself."

Meet Gideon, a two-week old baby boy from Kenya. Gideon has been diagnosed with spina bifida, a medical condition where there is an incomplete formation of the spine, leaving the spinal cord exposed. Left untreated, Gideon is at risk of developing an infection or tethered spinal cord syndrome. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, has scheduled Gideon for spina bifida closure surgery on September 13. The total cost of Gideon's medical bill is $1,097. Gideon’s mother says, "I want to see my child grow up healthy and without any health-related problems."

18-year-old Abigaba lives in Uganda with her husband, who works at a hair salon. This September, Abigaba spent six hours in labor at the health centre in her home village, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. “Abigaba was referred to a government hospital in Fort Portal where she had surgery and her first baby was stillborn. After the surgery, Abigaba noticed that her urine could not be controlled.” Abigaba has a vesicovaginal fistula, an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder and vagina that allows for continuous and involuntary discharge of urine. She discovered the Watsi program at Virika Hospital after being unable to afford additional transportation and surgery at the government-run hospital. Fistula repair for Abigaba costs $290 and will lower her risk of chronic pain, chance of infection, and possibility of being a social outcast. “After surgery she hopes to recover, regain her dignity, and continue supporting herself without having to depend on her sister-in-law,” says AMHF. “Thank you in advance for offering to help me," shares Abigaba.