Luciano is an eight-year-old student from Colombia. He is an outgoing, intelligent, and very affectionate boy who stands out for being extremely responsible and level-headed in everything he does. He has a unique spark that fills his entire family with pride and love, and in his heart he holds a big dream: to become a professional soccer player when he grows up. A year ago, Luciano was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. He needs surgery to correct it and prevent potential future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents one from carrying out daily activities. Fortunately, on September 18th, Luciano will undergo repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Luciano's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Luciano's mother said, "I am writing this message with a heart full of gratitude. I want to sincerely thank you for your invaluable help and for making it possible for children like mine to have the opportunity to improve their quality of life. For us, as single mothers, not having the financial resources for these procedures is very difficult, and people with your generosity are a beacon of hope. May God reward you for your kindness!"

Tai is a 69-year-old man from Cambodia. He previously worked as a fisherman, but is not currently working. Tai is married with one son, four daughters, and four grandchildren. He lives with his wife, and his sister and children also support him. In his free time, he enjoys watching TV, especially the news and boxing shows. About two years ago, Tai developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. On October 6th, Tai is scheduled for a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Tai is contributing towards his treatment, but needs help to raise an additional $213 for the procedure. He says: "I hope that after the surgery my vision will improve, so that I can see more clearly, recognize my relatives better, go outside and travel to distant places more easily."

Apofia is a 63-year-old farmer from Uganda. She has six children - three sons and three daughters. She and her husband have a small banana and coffee farm. The couple lives together and enjoys a peaceful and harmonious life, supporting each other in their daily activities. About a year ago, Apofia began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling at the front of her neck. The condition has progressively worsened and causes persistent headaches and difficulty sleeping due to episodes of shortness of breath. Apofia was diagnosed with a right thyroid goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Apofia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 2nd at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Apofia says, “There are nights I go without sleeping at all because of the discomfort it brings me. I need surgery for a complete recovery; however, with my income, I can’t raise the money needed and kindly appeal for your support.”