Garoma is a farmer from Ethiopia. This 70-year-old farmer has worked the land all his life alongside his wife, who farms with him. Together they raised eight children, four sons and four daughters. He lives in a rural area with two of his children and his grandchildren, and he still farms to feed the family and pay his grandchildren's school fees. For more than thirteen years he has lived with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Three years ago his symptoms became much worse. He went to the nearest health centre, but there was no surgeon there who could operate, so he was sent home to cope as best he could. His condition has now grown serious. He travelled to the city, where his eldest daughter lives, to find proper care. Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis and told him he needs surgery, but his family cannot afford it. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund the procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 29th and, once completed, will improve Garoma's quality of life. Garoma shared, "I just want to live without this pain and discomfort, and without the shame I carry every day."

Jonah is 52 years old and a farmer from Uganda. She and her husband engage in small-scale farming to support their five children. Her husband supplements their income through brickmaking. About one year ago, Jonah began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling on the front of her neck. Over time, she began experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, pain when swallowing, and a persistent, irritating cough-like sensation. Her condition gradually worsened, reaching a point where she could no longer lie down comfortably to rest. Jonah was diagnosed with a goitre, which is an abnormal swelling 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 Jonah receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 2nd. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Jonah says, “I was excited to know of your support, and I believe that with it, I will be operated on and will surely get better.”

Sina is a loving 63-year-old retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province. She has one son, who provides her support, and lives near her niece who sells groceries. Her favorite hobby is listening to monks give spiritual education. About three years ago, Sina developed a cataract in her right 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 Sina learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 13th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Sina and her family are able to contribute towards the cost of her treatment, but need help raising $238 more to fund the procedure. She says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so I can easily go out, take care of myself, and plant vegetables around my house."