John is a 36-year-old private primary school teacher from Uganda. After completing secondary school, he decided to go to a teacher’s college, where he studied primary-level teaching. John is married to a small-scale farmer, and they have three kids together. Their eldest two children are six and four years old and both attend school, while their youngest is three years old and hasn't started school yet. They all live together in a rented room. Nine years ago, John developed a small swelling on his right cheek. He didn't seek medical attention because he thought it would disappear with time, but the swelling continued to grow. Although he treats the swelling with herbs at home, John hasn't seen any positive change. Now, John experiences pain around his cheek and is increasingly concerned about the size of the swelling. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. John traveled to AMH's care center to receive treatment and was diagnosed with a lipoma, a type of non-cancerous tumor. On June 7th, John will undergo surgery at AMH's care center to remove the lipoma. Now, John needs help to raise $145 to fund this procedure. John says, “ I hope I will get well after surgery and continue with my teaching duties after complete recovery.”

Chanthy is a 41-year-old factory worker. She lives in Svay Rieng province with her husband, who is also a factory worker. Together they have one son who repairs cars and two daughters who are both students. Since Chanthy was 20 years old, she has suffered from ear pain, ear discharge and headaches around her left ear. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Chanthy experiences hearing loss, tinnitus and ear discharge. She visited a government hospital two years ago for care, but she continues to have problems. Fortunately Chanthy traveled to our medical partner - Children’s Surgical Centre - to receive treatment. On March 22nd, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. Children’s Surgical Centre is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medication, supplies, and inpatient care. Chanthy is hopeful that after this surgery her hearing will improve and her headaches will disappear. Without care, she is concerned this illness might affect her health permanently.

Ma Pyae lives with her mother, brother, sister, and niece in Yangon Division, Burma. She works in a sewing factory, her younger sister is a day laborer, and her older brother is unemployed due to illness. Her mother is a homemaker, and her niece is a student. Their combined family income is enough to cover their daily expenses, but they cannot afford expensive surgery. Ma Pyae was born with a congenital heart defect, but her condition has deteriorated, and she has experienced fast breathing, heart palpitations, and cannot sleep. She went to see the doctor, received an echocardiogram, and was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that affects the blood flowing through the lungs. Ma Pyae needs surgery as soon as possible. She still experiences heart palpitations and fast breathing if she is more active or walks a longer distance. She cannot sleep well at night because of her heart palpitations. Ma Pyae said, "I am a bit worried about my surgery, and I also worry that I will lose my job in the factory. After I recover from my surgery, I will continue to work in the same factory and contribute to my family."