Tibakanya is a 58-year-old mother of seven children, and her husband has passed away. Since 1996, Tibakanya has experienced swelling in her pelvic region. Tibakanya has an inguinal hernia, a condition where her small intestine protrudes through her abdominal wall. The swelling continues to increase in size and she is worried that the swelling may eventually burst. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares, “Tibakanya has reduced the amount of time she spends in her fields for fear of straining herself.” $220 will cover the cost of the hernia repair surgery she needs. After surgery, she hopes to regain her strength and have enough energy to work and provide food for her family. AMHF further explains, “We expect that after the treatment, the risk of intestinal incarceration, obstruction, and strangulation would also be eliminated.” Tibakanya shares, “I have lived with a hernia for a long time. I am glad there are people willing to help me.”

Meet Hamisi, a 71-year-old grandfather from Tanzania. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Hamisi earns his income as a farmer. When he isn’t working, Hamisi enjoys spending time with his family. "In the evenings, Hamisi likes to sit next to his wife and read out loud what is written on newspapers,” AMHF shares. Twenty years ago, Hamisi began experiencing pain in his knees due to osteoarthritis. This condition is caused by a loss of cartilage in the joints. Hamisi’s condition makes it difficult for him to walk, and he has difficulty working and supporting his family. For $960, Hamisi will receive an operation to treat his osteoarthritis. After surgery, he will remain in the hospital for seven days, giving him time to recover. With the proposed treatment, “Hamisi will have better gait, reduced pain, and [be able] to enjoy his time with his grandchildren,” AMHF says. Hamisi shares, “I enjoy when my grandchildren come visit us. They sit on my lap and pull my arms – a sign for me to stand up and go play with them. I want to be able to play with them more.”

Meet Ching, a one-year-old baby girl who lives with her parents in Cambodia. “Ching was born with two thumbs on her left hand,” explains our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). “They are webbed together and make it difficult for her to grasp objects.” Ching and her father traveled for two hours via tuk-tuk to reach CSC seeking treatment. For $260, Ching will undergo a polydactyly repair -- a surgery that will remove the extra thumb from her left hand. Treatment will allow Ching to continue to play with her toy cars, one of her favorite activities.