Vasta is a 70-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She grew up with one younger sister and lost both of her parents at a very young age. When their mother died, Vasta’s sister was only two months old, and Vasta took on the responsibility of caring for her. Because of this, she never had the opportunity to attend school or marry. Through years of farming, Vasta has worked hard to support her sister’s education. Her sister later became a teacher and now helps care for Vasta. At her age, Vasta does not do much work at home, but on good days, she joins others in weeding the banana plantation. Her favorite meal is matooke served with meat or beans. About 30 years ago, Vasta noticed a swelling at the front of her neck. For many years, it did not cause pain. Over time, however, she began to experience pain when swallowing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. As her symptoms worsened, Vasta sought care at a nearby government health center but was advised to seek treatment at a larger facility. Because of limited finances and temporary relief from pain medication, she was unable to follow up at that time. Recently, when her symptoms became more severe, Vasta’s granddaughter brought her to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. After examination and testing, doctors diagnosed her with a non-toxic multinodular goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Doctors recommended surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is supporting Vasta’s care. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 3rd where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. The surgery costs $252, and Vasta and her family need support to fund her treatment. Vasta says, “Other than this problem, I have been fine and have never had any other problem, but I believe with your support, I will be operated on and will get well.”

Franklin is a 13-year-old student from Haiti. He lives in a rural agricultural area with his parents, who are both farmers, and six older siblings. He enjoys going to school and playing soccer. Franklin has a heart condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the four valves in his heart was severely damaged by an infection he suffered earlier in childhood, and now cannot adequately pump blood through his body. Franklin will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 23rd, he will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair his damaged valve; if they are unable to do so, they will remove it instead and implant an artificial replacement. While another charity, Mitral Foundation, is funding Franklin's surgery, his family will also need help with the costs associated with his surgical preparations. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It will also support securing travel documents for the family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Franklin's family overseas. Franklin's mother shared, "We are so thankful to everyone who is making this surgery possible for our son!"

Both is a 23-month-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and is their only child. His father is an electrician and his mother works as a chef in a restaurant. He enjoys playing with toy cars and balls, and likes eating soup and mangoes. Both was born with polydactyly of both hands. This means that he has an extra thumb on both hands (bilateral thumb polydactyly). The condition affects his ability to grasp and hold objects properly. His parents are concerned that it may also affect his hand function and self-confidence as he grows older. Fortunately, on May 19th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, the extra thumbs will be removed, improving hand function and allowing more normal grasping, development, and daily hand activities. His father said, “I hope my son can use his hands normally and grow up with confidence, without feeling shy about his appearance.”