Shidrah is a student from Uganda. She comes from a family of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. Her brothers are still in school. Her older sisters are married and work as small-scale farmers, along with her parents. Shidrah just completed high school and has dreams of becoming a nurse. She is a humble, respectful, caring, and determined young lady, currently awaiting her senior year results with great hope for success. She has always wanted to visit national parks, although she has not been able to afford to do so yet. Shidrah was brought to the hospital by her mother because of a swelling in her neck, which she has had for the past year. It causes her pins‑and‑needles sensations, pain when swallowing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing when she lies down. Because of limited finances, Shidrah had never sought medical care. However, when the symptoms became severe, she came to Nyakibale Hospital, where, after an examination and tests, surgery was recommended. Unfortunately, her parents are unable to raise the amount needed for the procedure and are therefore appealing for your support. Shidrah will receive a mass removal surgery on February 3rd at Nyakibale Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Helthcare is requesting $188 to fund this procedure. Shidrah says, “My parents are both small-scale farmers. The struggle they go through to get my school fees alone is enough, but with surgery, I doubt they can afford the amount of money needed. Because of this, we kindly appeal for your support.”

Siamah is a 42-year-old woman and a single mother of four children from Uganda. She currently engages in small-scale farming together with her mother to provide food for household consumption and generate a limited income from surplus produce. Ten years ago, Siamah developed a swelling on her neck, which has progressively increased in size over time. She attempted to manage the condition using local herbal remedies, but these efforts were unsuccessful. As the swelling increased, Siamah became unable to walk long distances and began experiencing difficulty breathing, swallowing food, and turning her neck. The condition caused significant emotional distress. Siamah traveled to our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Health Center, to be evaluated. On February 10th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Siamah needs help to raise $188 to fund this procedure and alleviate her symptoms. Siamah says, "I hope to get rid of pain and also twist my head like others and eat well."