Nganizi is a 57-year-old farmer from Uganda. He came to Nyakibale hospital with complaints of swelling around his inguinal area over the past two years. This is painful especially when he strains, coughs, or bends. Being a farmer, most of the time he is doing strenuous work and it becomes painful for him. Nganizi had not sought treatment before but when he heard of the surgical program in the hospital, he opted to be seen by the surgeon. He was diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia after a scan was done and herniorrhaphy surgery is recommended. This surgery will help reduce instances of hernia strangulation and even intestinal obstruction which may be fatal. His other hurdle is financing the surgery. As a father of 7, he relies on farming to pay fees for his children who are still in school. His wife joins him on the farm to make ends meet. Their family is not able to meet the cost of surgery and appeals for financial assistance.  Fortunately, on October 13th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $230 to fund Nganizi's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Nganizi says, “I am hopeful that the surgery will go on well and I will thereafter continue with farming so I can continue sustaining my family.”

Hom is a 70-year-old farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife and his youngest daughter. Hom has three sons, three daughters and is a devoted grandfather to his many grandchildren. His daughter is a garment worker and his wife takes care of the house. Due to his vision, Hom no longer works in the rice field. He and his wife plant vegetables around the house to sell. In his free time, Hom likes to listen to the local monks preaching and local news on the radio. Five years ago, Hom developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Hom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours with his daughter seeking treatment. On January 18th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Hom shared, "I want to see clearly to help my wife around the house, and plant more vegetables to support my family."

Oum is a 65-year-old potato framer from Cambodia. He has three daughters, five sons, many grandchildren. Seven of his children are married. Oum likes to watch the news and Kun Khmer boxing on the TV. Four years ago, Oum developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurred vision, photophobia, irritation, pain, and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going outside independently. When Oum learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for six hours with his wife seeking treatment. On December 10th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Oum said, "I just want to see clearly so I can easily go to the field to plant potatoes and take care of my wife and myself."