Aryatunga is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is married with three children. Over the past year, Aryatunga has had a cyst on her right knee. It has gradually increased in size. This cyst has limited her movement. Aryatunga traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 8, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Aryatunga needs help to raise $187 to fund this procedure. Aryatunga says, "I hope to get a better lifestyle after surgery and continue with my cultivation.”

Mariana is an elderly woman from Kenya. She sometimes does farm work, but she does not make enough to support herself and depends on help from others. Early this year, Mariana developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, blurring vision. Fortunately, Mariana is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $220 procedure.

Song is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He has one daughter, one son, and six grandchildren. He likes to listen to monks pray on the radio and join ceremonies. About three years ago, Song developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him tearing, itching, irritation, and blurred vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Song learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for one hour seeking treatment. Song needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $201. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for May 2. He says, "I want to see well so I can recognize my relatives and grandchildren. I also want to go the local pagoda."

Owakubariho is a farmer from Uganda. He married and is a father of six children, five of whom are in primary school. Three years ago, Owakubariho has had a right inguinal hernia. It causes him pain, especially after working or lifting heavy objects. Fortunately, on May 17, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $219 to fund Owakubariho's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Owakubariho says, “I hope to get better after surgery and I will continue with cultivation.”

Midina is a woman from Kenya. She lives with her daughter’s family in the border town of Namanga. This mother of nine children is not able to travel back to her husband in Moyale due to her vision loss. Eight years ago, Midina developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her vision loss. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, blurring vision. She cannot walk on her own and needs constant care and support. Fortunately, Midina is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $220 procedure. Midina says, “My wish is to regain my vision. I am struggling much. I appreciate efforts to facilitate my treatment."

Katebalirwe is a farmer from Uganda. He is married and a father of five children. For many years, Katebalirwe has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling in a sensitive area. This condition causes him discomfort and pain and is affecting his ability to work. Fortunately, on May 9, he will undergo hydrocele repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $185 to fund Katebalirwe's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. He says, "After surgery I will continue with farming."

Htay is a 45-year-old woman who lives in Burma with her 17-year-old son and her sister. Her husband passed away 14 years ago. Eight years ago, she was diagnosed with diabetes. Over time, her health deteriorated to the point that she could no longer work. Since then, she has had to depend on her sister and one of her nephews. Two months ago, Htay injured her left leg when a piece of zinc fell off her roof and hit her left foot. She went to Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH), our medical partner's care center. At MCLH, the doctor drained the pus from her foot and leg. But because the infection had already spread up to her knee and she had developed septicemia, the doctor informed her that she would have to have her leg amputated above her knee to save her life. Currently the wound has become so infected that she has developed a fever and her leg has become very swollen and painful. Fortunately, she is scheduled to undergo surgery on April 12. Now, she needs help raising $1,500 to fund the procedure. She says, “I cannot work because of my health problem. Now I even have to depend on others to comb my hair and I worry about my debt. Once I recover I want to open a shop selling fruits and live happily with my son.”

Nyo is a 16-year-old student from Burma. Her parents are farmers. Two of Nyo's older sisters work in Bangkok, and they send money to help pay for Nyo's school fees. Nyo was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Nyo experiences chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and discoloration of her lips. Her symptoms have caused her to miss school, and to frequently be late. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Nyo. The treatment is scheduled to take place on April 2 and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. "I would like to become a doctor someday, and help low-income patients in need," said Nyo.