Harriet is a 57-year-old mother of two, who lives in Uganda. Years ago, she lost her husband and when life became extremely difficult, her aunt supported her in starting a roadside grocery business where she sells tomatoes, carrots, mangoes, and cabbage. Through this effort, she has been able to sustain her household and support her children’s education. Her eldest child has just completed Senior 6, while the youngest is in Senior 3. She works tirelessly to provide her children with an education so they can have a bright future. Three years ago, Harriet began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling in her neck, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, daily headaches and neck pain, especially when turning her head. She visited a nearby health center where she was given oral medication, and advised to seek care from a larger health facility. However, due to limited finances, she resorted to traditional treatments, including native herbs, which she used for almost a year without any improvement. Recently, Harriet learnt that one of her customers had received surgical care for the same condition she had, at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale. The news gave her hope. When her children were home for holidays, she finally had the opportunity to visit the hospital for a review. Harriet was diagnosed with an obstructive goiter, an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Harriet receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 3rd at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money to fully fund the surgery and her care. Harriet says, “The pain I am going through is too much, my income capacity can’t enable me raise the money needed to cover my hospital bill. I kindly seek your support.”

Muhereza is a 31-year-old man from Uganda. He is married and a father of two, living with his family in a modest two-roomed mud house. Currently, Muhereza and his wife earn a living through small-scale farming to support their household. For five years, Muhereza has had a left inguinal hernia. He has endured persistent pain and swelling. The ongoing discomfort has progressively worsened. Muhereza's condition, which intensified during walking and sitting, significantly affects his daily activities and his ability to provide for his family. Fortunately, on February 10th, Muhereza will undergo a hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund Muhereza's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Muhereza says, "I thank God for enabling me to come to Ibanda hospital to see the surgeon. I request the donor program's support for my surgery, as I currently lack financial means. Upon recovery, I am determined to resume farming and work diligently to support my family."

MongKol is a nine-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. His father is a grocery seller and his mother is a rice farmer. He has one older brother, who is currently studying at university. MongKol does not attend school due to verbal communication challenges associated with autism. His favorite meal is fish sour soup, and in his free time, he enjoys playing with toy cars. One month ago, MongKol had an ear infection that caused an abnormal skin growth to develop in his left ear. Since then, he has experienced ear pain, hearing loss, and bloody discharge. This condition makes it difficult for him to hear voices, which affects his ability to communicate, play, and interact with others. Thankfully, MongKol and his family have traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On April 1st, surgeons will remove the growth from his ear. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $477 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. MongKol's mother shared, “After the surgery, I pray that my dear son will be free from the constant pain and discharge in his ear, and that he can live happily without discomfort.”