Alfred, who is 69 years old, comes from a small village in Uganda. He had to leave school after only a few years of study, and now he and his wife work as small scale farmers. Alfred has been experiencing intermittent swelling in both his right and left inguinal areas for the past year. He went to different clinics, and was given pain medication, but the swelling has persisted. He shared his concerns with his son, who advised him to come to Rwibaale Health Center for an evaluation. As a result of the doctor's examination, Alfred was diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $234 to fund Alfred's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled to take place on February 15th, at Rwibaale Health Centre. After he has recovered from this procedure, Alfred should be able to resume his life, free from his current discomfort. Alfred said: "I hope to get back to my fields after recovery.’’

Rachana is a 31-year-old widow from Cambodia. She lives with her parents and her 11-month-old son in Prey Veng province. Tragically, her husband passed away when they were in a motorbike accident two months ago. Her parents are rice farmers, while Rachana takes time off from the rice fields to care for her son. As a result of the motorbike accident in February 2024, Rachana sustained fractures in her left forearm and clavicle that caused paralysis of the left arm. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She cannot lift her arm, making it difficult to carry her infant son or think about going back to work in the rice fields. Rachana traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in the country where this treatment is available. On April 23rd, she will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she should be able to use her arm again. Rachana's family is able to contribute $100 but requires $609 more to fund this procedure. After the surgery, Rachana hopes to be able to move her arm easily and plans to return to work eventually.

Nob is a 53-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. She and her husband work in the rice paddies near their home. Together they have one daughter in 8th grade. When not working, Nob is busy looking after her daughter and helping elderly relatives nearby. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news or Cambodian dramas on TV. About two years ago, Nob developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Nob learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 6th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery I can see more clearly and return to work because I haven't been able to work and support my daughter's school fees."