47-year-old Edgadi is a small-scale farmer living in Uganda. She and her husband have one child, and also live with Edgadi's mother, who was recently widowed. Despite facing many hardships earlier in her life, Edgadi managed to complete Senior Four. To make ends meet, she and her husband do farming on their small piece of land, where they mostly grow food crops for home consumption, while selling any surplus to earn some income. Ten years ago, Edgadi began to experience troubling symptoms, including an anterior neck swelling, headaches, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and pain when swallowing. She first sought treatment at a local hospital, but found no relief. She later visited another medical center, where she was advised to undergo surgery. As she could not raise the required funds, she returned home. She then tried local remedies, but she still couldn't find any relief. Eventually, a friend who knew someone who had been treated for a similar condition, advised her to seek help at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale. At the hospital, Edgadi was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck, which produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth and other bodily functions. Edgadi needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edgadi receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 10th, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and Edgadi and her family need your help to raise the funds. Edgadi says: “I have had this condition for a very long time, and even reaching this point, where I can hope for surgery, feels like a miracle. However, I am unable to raise the funds needed for the operation, and therefore, I kindly seek your support.”

Maismak is 46 years old and a mother of one from Cambodia. She lives on the outskirts of Phnom Penh with her husband. They have a small food stall, selling breakfast. Together, they are raising their 13-year-old daughter, who is currently studying in grade 6. In her free time, she goes to the local market to buy fresh ingredients to prepare breakfast. Five months ago, Maismak had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Maismak experiences pain, hearing loss, and constant ringing in her ear. This makes it difficult for her to hear clearly and communicate comfortably with others in her daily life, including customers and family members. Maismak traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 12th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Maismak can controbute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs $263 to fund this procedure to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Maismak said, “I worry about my hearing getting worse. I hope after surgery, I will be able to listen, communicate, and live normally without discomfort.”

Roberto is a resilient 56-year-old man from the Philippines. He is currently unemployed and relies on his brother for food and daily support. He had previously worked as a messenger but had to stop after being advised by the doctor to avoid lifting heavy objects. Two months ago, Roberto was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has caused him anxiety and has prevented him from working. Doctors have recommended a hernia repair surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on May 16th, Roberto will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Roberto says, "Many thanks to the foundation and to all the people who helped me and became instruments of God in supporting me through this difficult time. May God continue to guide, protect, and bless you, and may your kindness be returned to you many times over."