Sovannary is a 62-year-old retired teacher with three sons, four daughters, and many grandchildren. She lives with her husband, also a retired teacher, and her youngest daughter, who was born with a disability. Sovannary spends her time tending to her home garden, listening to news on the radio, and traveling to religious ceremonies. One year ago, Sovannary developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sovannary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On July 20th, doctors will perform a cataract surgery and lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, Sovannary will be able to see clearly. Now, CSC is requesting $229 to help fund this procedure. Sovannary shares why this surgery is important to her, "My children need me to take good care of their children, so I hope that I can see everything clearly after this surgery. I will cook well and watch my grandchildren play so much more easily."

Grayson is the fourth born in a family of five children. His mother shared that their family is not well off financially, as his father works a matatu driver and the sole breadwinner. His mother is not able to go to work as she has to take care of Grayson and his younger brother. Grayson was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Grayson has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Grayson will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 17th. AMHF is requesting $569 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Grayson’s mother says, “As his mother, I can do anything to see my child is treated but I cannot go to work to help raise the funds for his surgery as I have to take care of him.”

Bakandema is a 79-year-old man who runs a small banana plantation, which he and his wife tend to together. They also cultivate maize, beans, and potatoes for their family. Bakandema also brews traditional beer to complement the income from the farm. However, at his old age, he has to work hard to make sufficient income. His eight children have left the nest, but all work in casual labour with limited income. For the last three years, Bakandema has had a right inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him pain, especially when he bends or walks for some time. He cannot sleep well these days. The hernia has been getting worse over time and, without treatment, might become a strangulated hernia which is life-threatening. After selling some goats to travel and pay for his treatment, Bakandema came to Nyakibale Hospital for medical review. He was recommended to undergo herniorrhaphy surgery to treat his condition. However, Bakandema cannot afford the cost of his care and appeals for financial support. Fortunately, on June 9th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Bakandema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Bakandema shared, “I pray that you help me get treated because I have been in pain for a long time. Once relieved, I will live to give a testimony about what you have done for me as I continue with farming to sustain my family.”