Francis is an eight-year-old student who lives in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is a bright, cheerful, and confident child who dreams of becoming a driver when he grows up. He enjoys playing football and is known for being very helpful at home. His parents are farm laborers who depend on casual work to support their family. Despite their hard work, they struggle to meet their daily needs and cannot afford the cost of the surgery their son requires. When Francis was about one year old, he began to experience on-and-off swelling in a sensitive area of his body. As he has gotten older, the swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain, especially after sleeping or playing. This has limited his ability to enjoy normal childhood activities. Francis attended our partner’s medical care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hydrocele. Francis needs surgery, or he will continue to experience painful symptoms. Fortunately, on November 2nd, Francis will undergo hydrocele repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $146 to fund his procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis’s mother shared, “Given a chance of support, I am sure my son will get operated on and will get better. My only challenge is finances, but I believe with your support, all will be well.”

Eunice is a 46-year-old woman from Uganda. She is one of 14 children and was raised by parents who worked as farmers. Eunice is married with one child, her husband works as a teacher at a private school while she works as a cleaner at a health center. She also enjoys making baskets and knitting tablecloths, which provide an outlet for her creativity and resourcefulness. Four years ago, Eunice began experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding. Initially, she experienced irregular, prolonged, and heavy menstrual bleeding. However, her symptoms worsened considerably over the past three months, and she is now experiencing severe abdominal pain, headaches, and dizziness, which are significantly affecting her physical well-being and ability to participate in daily activities and work. Eunice was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Upon medical examination, Eunice was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and persistent abnormal uterine bleeding. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $319 to fund Eunice's surgery. On November 2nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery, and once recovered, Eunice hopes to resume her daily activities with greater comfort and an improved quality of life. Eunice says, “Despite the pain and challenges I am going through, I remain hopeful that with support and proper treatment, I will regain my health, continue caring for my child, and return to my daily responsibilities. I kindly appeal for assistance to help me access the surgery I urgently need and have a chance to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.”

Hok is a 67-year-old man from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife and youngest child, who works at a bank. He has four children, all of whom are married and visit him with their families. He enjoys caring for his grandchildren and spending time with them. In 2014, Hok was involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture of his left femur. Despite several surgeries over the years, the fracture has remained unhealed. The unhealed fracture and protruding, painful nail in his left femur make walking difficult. He currently relies on crutches to move around. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On September 3rd, Hok will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will remove the old nail, repair the fracture with plates and screws, and use a bone graft from his iliac crest to support healing of the femur and reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the damaged hardware. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Hok said, “I hope this surgery will help my leg heal properly and reduce the pain caused by the protruding nail. I look forward to walking more comfortably and returning to my normal daily activities.”