Meet Charles, a 56-year-old father of five children from Uganda. Despite being orphaned at a young age, he has proven himself to be a smart and respected businessman. Due to his circumstances, Charles was only able to complete primary school. His tearoom business has been the main source of income for his family, enabling him to support his children's education and sustain their livelihood. However, recently, the tearoom business has been facing challenges, resulting in reduced profits. To cope with the family expenses, Charles and his wife have taken up farming alongside the tearoom business. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the radio to stay informed about current affairs. Since 2022, Charles has been dealing with a medical issue called a hydrocele, which causes swelling around his groin. This condition has been causing him pain while performing daily activities, discomfort while walking, and a persistent feeling of fullness in the scrotal area when he stands for long periods. After consulting with a doctor, he was diagnosed with a non-communicating hydrocele. The doctor advised him to undergo hydrocelectomy to prevent potential complications, such as infections that could be life-threatening. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Charles is scheduled to undergo hydrocele repair surgery on August 2nd at AMH's care center. AMH is now requesting $139 to help fund Charles's surgery. Once the procedure is completed, it is hoped that he will experience improved comfort and confidence in his daily life. Charles says, "Surgery is the only hope I'm left with to restore my health. Without your support, I have no other way to pay for my surgery and hence I appeal for your support.”

Meet Ku, a 21-year-old from Thailand. He lives with his parents, four younger brothers, and one younger sister. Two of his brothers are in school, while his parents and other siblings practice subsistence farming. Ku works as a day laborer, providing the sole income for his household. In his free time, Ku enjoys gardening, growing vegetables, and looking after his family's two cows. In March, Ku was in a driving accident that caused his motorcycle to fall onto his left leg, fracturing his left thigh. He was brought to a clinic before being referred to the local hospital. After an x-ray confirmed his diagnosis, he was referred to our medical partner's hospital for further treatment. Currently, Ku is experiencing a lot of pain and cannot move or lift his left leg, sit up, or leave the hospital bed. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Ku will undergo surgery on March 13th to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. This procedure will help him walk again and live pain-free. He will also be able to go back to work and will no longer require a caregiver. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to fund Ku's surgery. Ku shared, "I feel so upset. I never thought I would become like this [bed-bound]. I want to get surgery soon so that I can recover and go back to work. If I'm not working, my family could have a problem. I had to borrow money from my friend [to pay for basic expenses while getting treatment]. I want to go back to work and pay back my debt."

Jorge is a 13-year-old boy who lives in Bolivia. He is in seventh grade and likes to study art and psychology. Jorge was born with a congenital heart defect called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and unable to exert himself. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, can help heal his condition. Jorge is scheduled for surgery on September 11. He will need to fly from his hometown to another city in Bolivia for the treatment. During the surgery, doctors will sew a patch over the hole in Jorge's heart to close it and prevent the blood from leaking. Jorge's family needs your help raising $1,500 to fund his cardiac treatment. He hopes that after the surgery he will be able to have a more active life. Jorge said: "I am hopeful that after this surgery I will start getting stronger and will be able to play soccer."