Eric is a 48-year-old man from DR Congo, but presently lives in a refugee settlement in Uganda. Eric and his family were forced to flee due to instability in their country, and have now lived in Uganda eight years, trying to rebuild their lives. To support themselves and care for their children, Eric and his wife engage in farming on a rented piece of land. Since he was the age of six, Eric has had a right reducible 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 significant discomfort and has affected most of his life. He experiences pain when lying on his stomach or back, making it difficult for him to sleep comfortably. Eric sought treatment at several health facilities, but he was mainly given painkillers, which did not provide lasting relief. Over time, his condition has continued to affect his well-being, and he has become increasingly weak. When Eric heard about a medical outreach organized by the hospital, he went in for examination by the surgical team, who recommended surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on August 4th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Rwibaale Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Eric's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Eric says, "I hope to be able to bend and do my daily activities after recovery."

Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Soem is a 76-year-old man and a retired farmer from Cambodia. He is married and has one son, five daughters, and fourteen grandchildren. He lives with his wife and his youngest daughter, who is a farmer and grows crops. In his free time, Some enjoys listening to monks chanting through his phone and the radio. About two years ago, Soem developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, similar to looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Soem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for seven hours seeking treatment. On July 7th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Soem said, "I hope that after my eye surgery, my vision will improve so that I can recognize people and objects more easily and go out with greater confidence and independence."