Gerald, a 36-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda, is married with three children. Gerald and his wife make their living through farming. For the past three months, Gerald has been suffering from a right abdominal hernia. This hernia causes him pain when farming and swelling when he does heavy work. He is no longer able to work for long periods at a time, a direct impact on his livelihood, which has prompted him to seek medical attention. Gerald sought medical attention at Rushoroza Hospital from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Gerald's doctors recommended a hernia repair surgery. Fortunately, on February 15th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Rushoroza Hospital. AMH is requesting $170 to fund Gerald's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Gerald says, “I am in pain, and I need help. I hope that my productivity through farming will increase after surgery.”

Geninah is a hard working farmer and a mother of 10 children; five sons and five daughters. Two of her sons run a small-scale business while three sons and all her daughters are farmers. Education was not valued for her generation, so she didn't have the opportunity for school. Her wish was to be a nurse if she had the opportunity to study. She is married and she and her husband were small-scale farmers, but they no longer farm much these days. Currently, they depend on their banana and coffee plantation's seasonal yields for some irregular income. She loves singing and attending church service in her free time. For many years, Geninah has experienced troubling symptoms, including a neck swelling, constant cough like sensation, shortness of breath when lying down, pain during swallowing, and profuse sweating at night. She was diagnosed with a giant goiter. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Geninah receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 28th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Geninah says “I hope to get relieved from the pain I have been having and with your support, I hope my surgery will surely be possible.”

Samson is a widower and father of a 9-year-old child. He works as a laborer at a garage washing cars to support himself and his child. A few years ago, Samson started experiencing epigastric pain and discomfort, and could not keep down his food. He has sought treatment at other hospitals before, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, Samson's condition worsened and his brother helped him seek care with our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Doctors there conducted an endoscopy and found that the cause of Samson's symptoms was gastric obstruction due to pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. If left untreated, Samson will continue to experience pain. His symptoms may also worsen, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and an overall decreased quality of life. Surgeons have recommended a laparotomy to treat Samson's condition. Fortunately, Samson is scheduled for surgery on March 13th with the help of African Mission Healthcare. Samson needs help raising $788 to fund the cost of his procedure. After surgery, not only will Samson's quality of life improve, but he will also be able to care for himself and his child. “I have been unable to care for myself and my child, becoming a burden to my family. The pain is also too much and I am afraid my wife went through the same and died. I plead for support so that I may be treated and get back to my normal life. I am also the only hope of my child,” said Samson.