Andrew is a two-year-old boy from Uganda. He is the lastborn in a family of three children, with an older brother and sister who are both attending school. His mother is a small-scale farmer and his father earns a living through boda-boda transport. Andrew can speak a few words in his local language and is a playful and cheerful child who is just beginning to take his first steps. Since shortly after birth, Andrew has had 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. His mother was initially advised to wait and give him time to grow before further intervention. Over time, however, the swelling began to appear more frequently and worsened, affecting his ability to walk and causing him to fear movement due to pain. Recently, he has become increasingly irritable, crying frequently and vomiting after eating. Fortunately, on May 5th, Andrew will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. His family is seeking support to raise $230 to fund the surgery, which will allow him to live more comfortably and pain-free. Andrew’s mother expressed, “My greatest wish is to see my son get better. If I were financially able, I would do everything possible to ensure that he undergoes the surgery. Unfortunately, at the moment, I am unable to afford the cost, yet surgery is the only option for his complete recovery. I therefore humbly seek your support.”

Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."

Heak is 60 years old and a hardworking rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her niece, who is a Grade 12 student. She is the seventh of ten siblings, all of whom are married. Her parents passed away during the Khmer Rouge era. Despite many hardships in life, she continues to support herself through rice farming. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and helping with household chores. In 2024, Heak was involved in an overturned car accident while traveling in Thailand, resulting in a severe fracture of her left femur near the knee. Although she underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, the bone failed to heal properly and developed into a nonunion, causing ongoing pain in her left knee and leg. Heak experiences persistent pain and stiffness in her left knee, making it difficult to walk without support. The condition limits her independence, affects her ability to work in the rice fields, and makes everyday activities challenging. Fortunately, Heak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), and sought treatment. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total knee replacement to relieve Heak of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for June 1st. Heak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $1,213 more for her procedure and care. Heak said, “I hope this treatment will help me walk without support again and live without pain. Being able to move independently would mean so much to me and allow me to return to my normal life.”