Zerida is a widow, living in southwestern Uganda. She is a mother of 11 children, who lost her husband in 1999. While she does small scale farming, this is becoming increasingly difficult for her, given her advanced age and health issues. A year ago, Zerida began experiencing episodes of lower abdominal pain, backaches, and other symptoms. She has been diagnosed with uterine myomas. Without treatment, she is at risk of anaemia, and persistent back and lower abdominal pain. The doctors have told Zerida that she needs to undergo a hysterectomy, in order to resolve her condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Zerida's surgery, which is scheduled for May 19th, at the Karoli Lwanga Hospital in Nyakibale. Once she has recovered, Zerida should be able to resume her daily activities, free of pain. Zerida says: “I am a widow and have no support since the death of my husband. I really need the surgery, but I am not able to pay for the cost.”

Hellen is a charming and playful 3-year-old girl, living with her mother. They live with Hellen's grandparents who are also helping to raise her. The grandparents are small scale farmers, who rely on the crops that they grow, and on any income their surplus crops generate. While Hellen was born a healthy child, her mother noticed that when she began to walk, her legs bent outwards. Ultimately, Hellen was diagnosed with bilateral varus, a condition which is typically caused by the accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, which results from the drinking of contaminated water. Hellen now walks with a limp, and has pain in her knees when she walks. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Hellen. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment will hopefully restore Hellen's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of any future complications. Hellen’s mother says: “I have watched my daughter's legs move from bad to worse for two years, but I cannot afford to seek treatment for her. I am in dire need of your support.”

Seang Heng is a 63-year-old vegetable farmer who is married and has one son, two daughters, and five grandchildren. Seang Heng's husband also works as a farmer. In her free time, Seang Heng likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Three years ago, Seang Heng developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her irritation and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places independently. When Seang Heng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On June 7th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Seang Heng shared, "I hope my eye can see well again so I can keep farming."