Florence is a 54-year-old farmer who is widowed. She sadly lost her husband during her last pregnancy in 2000. She is a mother of seven children, who are all hardworking farmers. Unfortunately, when she was young, Florence dropped out of school at the primary level due to a lack of funds for her school fees. She works to support her family through farming coffee and bananas. To supplement her income, she also weaves mats and baskets. For some time now, Florence has been experiencing lower abdominal pain and bleeding. She has been diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion, meaning cells with the potential to turn cancerous were found in her cervix. To prevent this from occurring and to alleviate her pain, Florence must undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Florence's surgery. On July 7th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Florence will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Florence says, “I wish my health got better, but with limited resources, I am incapable. I hope that with your support, I will have my health restored, and I know I will get better.”

Torn is a 49-year-old rice farmer with one son, two daughters, and three grandchildren. He likes to watch the news, music videos, and concerts on TV. One year ago, Torn developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision and irritation. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, working, and going anywhere by himself. When Torn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On November 7, doctors performed a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, Torn will be able to see clearly again. Now, he needs help to fund this $292 procedure. "I hope that I can see everything more clearly," he says, "so that I can continue my work as a farmer and drive my motorbike easily. I want to be able to go anywhere by myself."

Sareth is a 58-year-old husband and father from Cambodia. He and his wife work hard to support their daughter and two grandchildren. When he is not working, he enjoys listening to classical music and exercising. A year ago, Sareth developed cataracts in both of his eyes. Cataracts cause the clear lenses of the eyes become cloudy, preventing light from entering the eye. The cataracts in Sareth’s eyes have progressed to the point of causing partial blindness. With a limited vision, he can no longer work or walk around. The cataracts have also taken a toll on him emotionally. "I have felt so bored, so sad and worried about my eye," Sareth says. If he does not receive treatment, Sareth will be left completely blind. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can fix Sareth's vision with cataract surgery. During the surgery, the cloudy lenses will be replaced with new, clear lenses. "Sareth will be able to see clearly again and regain his independence,” says CSC. $225 will fund Sareth's operation and a two-day hospital stay, which includes all meals and post-operative medication. "I want to see everything clear and help my family,” says Sareth.

Meet Jennifer, a 49-year-old woman from Kenya. She is a single mother of 5 children, and works a variety of small casual jobs to support her family. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares that Jennifer has uterine fibroids. She has been experiencing lower abdominal pain for six months. “If not operated,” AMHF adds, “the bleeding may lead to anemia while the growing fibroids may affect surrounding body organs." AMHF recommends that Jennifer receives a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), which is the removal of her uterus. With $790, Jennifer can undergo the TAH procedure, stay in the hospital for 12 days, and receive the necessary medication during her recovery. Jennifer is eager to get back to work. According to AMHF, “this condition has affected Jennifer’s social life and made it difficult for her to continue doing the small casual jobs which earn her daily bread.” Jennifer is concerned that her children are worried about her. “I hope I will get help from the donors,” Jennifer shares, “and have a successful surgery so that I can regain my strength.” After the surgery, she plans to start selling second hand clothing.

Bharat is a seven-year-old boy living in Nepal with his parents, older sister, and two younger brothers. He is in the second grade and enjoyed playing Kabaddi—a common contact sport in India and Nepal—when his health was better. Bharat has a left gluteal abscess, a confined pocket of pus that generally develops post-infection or with the presence of foreign materials. “Bharat has been living with the abscess for a month now,” shares our medical partner, Possible. “Because it has developed around his buttocks area, it has been immensely difficult for him to sit, walk and do all other basic activities.” $220 will cover the cost of care for the wound. “After the treatment, not only will Bharat’s abscess heal in a hygienic manner, but he will be free of the constant pain,” continues Possible. “In about a week’s time, he can freely do all the activities that other children his age can do.” “I want my son to regain his health,” Bharat’s mother tells us.