Matisitsi is a 45-year-old, married and father of eight from Uganda. He weaves baskets for a living, and enjoys eating fish and cassava bread. Matisitsi had hernia repair in the right inguinal region in 2013. Then, about a year and a half ago, he developed another painful swelling in the left inguinal region, and he suspected it was a hernia again. Matisitsi visited a hospital where it was confirmed that he had a left inguinal hernia. This is a condition where part of his intestine is protruding through his inner groin. Due to the pain caused by the hernia, he is unable to lift heavy items and standing and walking is difficult. He also is unable to dig, which prevents him from earning a living from agriculture. Matisitsi was unable to afford the surgery recommended by the hospital, and if left untreated, Matisitsi may suffer many complications. For $249, Matisitsi will undergo the hernia repair surgery he needs. After the surgery, Matisitsi hopes to resume digging so that he can support himself and his family. “Hernia is a painful sickness. I wish I could prevent it from coming back!” Matisitsi shared.

Saturday is 26-years-old father from Uganda. He has two children, a girl and a boy who are both three-years-old. He has a hair salon which gives him little income. He likes playing football. Saturday developed a swelling in his epigastric region (upper abdomen) about 14 years ago. The swelling is painful and on and off. He feels more pain after meals. Due to pain he is unable to lift heavy items and to dig. Saturday visited a government hospital where he was diagnosed with a hernia, but he couldn’t access a surgeon. Saturday has an epigastric hernia, which is a protrusion of tissue in the upper abdomen. He doesn’t have money to pay for his treatment at a private hospital. If not treated, the abdominal wall may continue weakening and this may lead to intestinal blockage and more pain. $249 will give Saturday the surgery and care he needs. After surgery he plans to continue working in his salon. Saturday says, “I am requesting for help. I have lived with hernia for a long time.”

Osinya is 25-years-old man from Uganda who works as a prison guard. He would be able to save money and pay for his surgery, but his salary is usually delayed. He is also paying for the education of his four siblings. Sometimes after paying school fees he has no money left. Osinya likes listening to music and his favorite meal is millet with fish. Osinya started feeling pain in his right inguinal (groin) region in 2014 and developed a swelling in the same area. The pain was on and off but is now present most of the time. He is unable to stand for very long, walk long distances, or do any manual work. In June 2016 he visited a hospital where he was diagnosed with a right inguinal-scrotal hernia, condition where part of his intestine is protruding through his inner groin area. Surgery was advised, but he couldn’t afford to pay for it. If not treated, the hernia could become stuck leading to damage to the tissue and become more painful. $249 will cover the costs of the surgery and care Osinya needs. After surgery, he hopes to continue with his work without worrying about the pain from his hernia.