Mariko is a three-year-old boy living in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is looking forward to starting school in the near future. Mariko developed intermittent swelling in his inguinal region two years ago. He was taken to a nearby clinic and was given medication. Since his visit to the clinic, he has lived on the medication, without experiencing any improvement. In fact, the swelling has increased in size and often prevents him from passing urine. He frequently cries because of the pain. Recently, a friend advised Mariko's mother to bring him to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Once there, he was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia and it was determined that he would require a procedure to correct his condition. Fortunately, on May 5th, Mariko will undergo hernia repair surgery at Rushoroza Hospital. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $170 to fund Mariko's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Mariko's mother said: “I pray that my son may get well through surgery so that he may be able to start schooling.”

Kheng is a 55-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Speu province. She is married and has three sons, four daughters, and seven grandchildren. Kheng lives with her husband, who is a palm sugar farmer. She likes to spend time with her grandchildren and pray in her local pagoda. Three years ago, Kheng developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her redness, irritation, and tearing. 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Kheng visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she learned that she needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 13th. Kheng said, "I hope after surgery I will be more comfortable and can go outside more easily."

Chin is a 60-year-old retired fish seller from Kandal province in Cambodia. She has one son and one daughter. Sadly, her husband passed away 10 years ago in a motorbike accident. Chin lives with her youngest daughter, who is a garment factory worker. She enjoys watching Cambodian dramas on TV and spending time with her daughter. About two years ago, Chin developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her light sensitivity, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Chin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 9th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I don't have to worry anymore when I go places on my own."