Meet Collins, a 12-year-old calm boy, the second born in a family of 3 children and a student at a special school. Their family hails from Shamata village in Nyandarua county. His mother is a single mother and is a small farmer. She shared how devastated she was upon receiving the news of her son's spine deformity. In her mind, she thought that her child could not survive until she was referred to a specialist, who explained the condition and how it could be corrected. Collins was born with a condition known as severe scoliosis, a spine deformity and a sideway curvature of the spine. This condition has greatly affected his mobility. He cannot bend and gets tired quickly while walking. Apart from the spine deformity, he is also mentally impaired, which has delayed his education. He is scheduled to undergo surgery to help heal his spine. The treatment will be impactful to him because he will be able to walk upright and continue with his education uninterrupted. "I am kindly requesting you to support my son, who is undergoing surgery and we are unable to pay for it. Your help will be highly appreciated as you help me put a smile on my son's face. Thank you so much for considering my request," shared Collin's mother.

Editor is a farmer from Uganda. She comes from a very humble family, and she is a total orphan - having lost both of her parents. Editor shared that she never saw her parents, and just heard stories about what they looked like because they died while she was still a toddler. After the death of her parents, her grandmother took over the responsibility. She had no money to facilitate her education, and she dropped out of school before completing seventh grade. In 2014, Editor decided to get married to her husband, who is a small-scale farmer. They lived in a rented house. At the beginning of this year, Editor separated from her husband and lost contact with him. She could not raise rental fees for their home, and she ended up being kicked out of the house. Fortunately, a good neighbour had a free store, and she gave it to her. Currently, Editor and her two children live in that small store, and they survive by working on the neighbor’s farm or sometimes her friends donate things. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children. She is currently expecting a new baby. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of her high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Editor undergo a C-Section on November 23rd. This procedure will cost $207, and Editor needs your support. Editor says, "my desire is to safely deliver my child in good health. I am my family's only breadwinner and I don't have money to pay for surgery."

Keneth is a gentle and social small-business owner. He is also a responsible father, caring for his four children currently studying in primary and secondary schools. Keneth completed primary school but unfortunately could not continue his education due to a lack of funds. To provide for his family and secure school fees for his children, he operates a small business baking chapatis, his primary income source. His wife works as a farmer, contributing to their household's livelihood. Additionally, he shared that he is an avid Arsenal fan, although he was left disappointed when the team failed to win a trophy. Watching football (soccer) matches has become one of his favorite hobbies! Keneth developed a swelling on his left thigh that has persisted for over a year. The swelling has grown in size, and causes him discomfort, including sensations of pins & needles, temporary paralysis, and severe pain when walking. Initially, he was concerned that it might be cancer. Seeking medical advice, he underwent a biopsy, but fortunately, the results came back negative for cancer. The surgeon diagnosed him with myxoid liposarcoma and recommended excision treatment. Keneth traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 4th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Keneth needs help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Keneth says, “I will be happy seeing my leg back to normal once I am operated on, and I expect a full recovery.”

Meet Stedia, a young woman from Uganda. She and her husband have two kids (one in nursery school and one in primary class two) and are expecting their third child soon. Stedia's father passed away when she was young. Her mother could not afford her school fees alone, so Stedia left school after primary class seven. She works as a small-scale farmer and owns a small salon where she does hairdressing to supplement her income. Her husband is in the motorcycle business. During her free time, Stedia enjoys spending time with her family. Stedia is expecting her third child soon. Her doctors recommended that she deliver via a cesarean section because of two previous scars. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Stedia undergo a C-Section on September 5th. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Stedia said, "Our income as a family has always been inconsistent, which created difficulties in paying for my previous deliveries, but we have hope that with your support, we will be able to have a successful delivery this time."

Sovan is a 62-year-old grandmother. She has 3 sons and 5 grandchildren that visit her often. Sadly, her husband passed away due to liver cancer 7 months ago. For the last several decades, she has earned a small living selling groceries from a stall in the front of her house. When not busy working, she likes spending time with her grandchildren and watching the local news. Three years ago, Sovan developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Sovan learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled there hoping for treatment. On September 4th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sovan is able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery, but needs help raising $253 to fund the procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can see my family and customers."

Saroeun is a 43-year-old mother of three from Cambodia. She lives in a village with her husband, son, and two daughters. Her husband is a mechanic, and both of her daughters work in a nearby garment factory. Her son is still in school. In her free time, Saroeun enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and watching Cambodian dramas on TV. About one year ago, Saroeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own. When Saroeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 10th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Saroeun contributed $75 to her care Saroeun shared, "I hope I can see clearly and start a new job to help support my family."

Kyarisiima is a 36-year-old woman who is in need of surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. She is a farmer, and her husband is a primary school teacher. For over three months, Kyarisiima has been suffering from severe abdominal pain. Due to the pain, she is unable to do anything at home other than sleep. She finds it difficult to cook or help with the washing, something that greatly affects her quality of life. Fortunately, Kyarisiima came to the care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Her doctors were able to diagnose Kyarisiima with hemorrhagic ovarian cysts and recommended cystectomy treatment. She is at risk of the cyst rupturing or twisting, which can cause death or other complications, so they scheduled the surgery to occur as soon as possible, on June 8th. AMH is requesting $220 to help fund her care and procedure. Kyarisiima says, "I am in much pain, and I request your assistance with my surgery so that I can live well again like previously and help with farming."

Roeung is a retired vegetable farmer. He and his wife have 13 children. Tragically, three of their children died very young in 1979 during the Khmer Rouge. After Roeung's wife passed away, he moved in with one of his daughters and her family. Roeung favorite things to do are spend time with his grandchildren and garden. Around thirty years ago, Roeung had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or ear drum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Roeung experiences ear pain, ear discharge, tinnitus, and hearing loss. He cannot communicate clearly with others and experiences chronic discomfort. Roeung traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On October 18th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $487 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Roeung contributed $100 to his care. Roeung shared, "I was told I needed surgery a year ago, but I was too scared. I thought I was too old to recover, but the doctors explained I can get better and now I am ready to have the operation and not be in pain anymore."

Meet 63-year-old Sarah: a small-scale farmer, living with her husband in Uganda. She is the mother of four children. Together, she and her husband make a living from a banana and coffee plantation, even though the available land limits the size of their holding. Sarah enjoys tending to her goats and performing household chores, when she isn't farming. Sarah's life changed drastically two years ago when she developed a swelling on her arm. This condition has caused her to experience sensations of pins and needles, and paralysis of the arm. Consequently, she cannot sweep, lift objects, or engage in strenuous activities. Initially, she attempted traditional remedies, but they provided no relief. Sarah sought help from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. On August 8th, surgeons at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale will remove the mass. Now, Sarah needs your help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Sarah says: “Honestly, I am becoming lame, I can’t do anything at home, yet my husband is suffering a stroke. I have to take care of him; I kindly appeal for your support for the success of my surgery.”

Pafura is a 16 year old student in the seventh grade and will be taking exams in November. He is the third born in a family of four children. They lost their father in 2010 and they have been under the care of their mother. Their family lives in a four-room mud house that their father left them. His mother works hard to pay their school fees. For one year, Pafura has had a right inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him pain and prevents him from taking part in his favorite sport, football. His mother believes it was a wise idea to bring him for a medical checkup since he is soon sitting for his exams. Surgery has been recommended but they cannot afford it. Fortunately, on September 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $170 to fund Pafura's hernia surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Pafura's mother says, “He will be able to proceed with his studies comfortably.”

Srey Neth is a 25-year-old stay-at-home mother from Cambodia. She lives in a rural village with her mother, husband, and her 3-year-old son. Her husband is a tattoo artist, and her mother helps her at home with her son. Her favorite activity is shopping in the local markets. In July 2019, Srey Neth was in a motorbike accident that caused a fracture in her right femur and her left forearm and wrist. She went to a local hospital, where the doctors fixated hardware to heal her fractured arm and femur. Now, the bones are united, and she needs to remove the hardware. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On April 25th, Srey Neth will undergo a hardware removal procedure that will help her improve mobility and allow her to engage in everyday activities without pain. CSC is requesting $304 to fund her procedure. Srey Neth contributed $100 to her care. Srey Neth said: "After surgery, I want to walk and use my arm normally again and without pain"

Masanja is an 11-year-old boy from Kitavi, Tanzania. His parents are farmers, working to provide for their family’s subsistence needs. Masanja was born with clubfeet - a birth abnormality in which his feet are twisted out of shape or position. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual, causing the feet to twist and making walking and wearing shoes difficult. The nearest hospital could not provide the treatment he needed, and Masanja has a difficult time walking. Because of this, Masanja made the difficult decision to leave school temporarily as it is far from home. He now is responsible for the grazing of his father's cows. Masanja hopes to return to school. His parents, while supportive of Masanja's dreams, cannot afford the medical treatment necessary to allow Masanja mobility. Masanja's father learned that services would be available at the Plaster House, a care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Upon Masanja's arrival at the center, he received a warm welcome and an initial assessment. A treatment plan was developed. The medical team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 15. AMH is requesting $935 to fund Masanja's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his mobility will be restored, and he will be able to resume school. Masanja says: “I want to be able to walk without discomfort. My leg has been causing me pain for a while.”