Polina is a 65-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband, Reuben, engage in small-scale farming to support their family. For one year, Polina has been experiencing abdominal pain and other concerning symptoms. Despite being treated at several clinics, the symptoms persisted. This has caused her a lot of discomfort and has prevented her from farming due to the pain. She came to Rwibaale Health Center where an ultrasound found an endometrial cystic mass. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $253 to fund Polina's surgery. On March 1st, she will undergo surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully alleviate her symptoms. Polina says, "I will be able to move better and work after treatment.’’

Chantha is a retired merchant from Preah Vihear province in northern Cambodia. She is 64 years old with three children and five grandchildren. Her husband passed away recently so she moved in with her daughter, who sells clothes in the local market. At home, she likes to cook food for her grandchildren and listen to Buddhist radio. About one year ago, Chantha developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Chantha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for seven hours seeking treatment. On April 18th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Chantha is able to contribute $75 but needs an additional $178 to fund this procedure. She shared, "After surgery, I hope I can see clearly and help more around the house and take care of my grandchildren."

Saw Kler is a 14-year-old boy who lives with his parents, three older sisters, and one younger brother, in a village in Karenni State, Burma. Saw Kler’s parents and two of his older sisters are farmers. When he is older, Saw Kler would like to become a minister. Saw Kler stopped going to school two years ago as he began to have frequent seizures. Doctors found that Saw Kler has a heart condition that requires the replacement of two heart valves and the repair of the tricuspid valve. These valves control the blood flow between the chambers of the heart and are necessary to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Because of his condition, Saw Kler feels tired and has an irregular heart rate, resulting in an inability to walk long distances. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 for the complex surgery Saw Kler needs. The procedure is scheduled to take place at Kasemrad Prachachuen Hospital on April 9th, and once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably, and to have a more active and healthy life ahead. Saw Kler said: “I feel sad when I see my friends are playing football and having fun. I want to play with them, but I cannot run like them, as I always feel tired. I want to continue my studies if my condition improves.”