Mercy is a determined young lady, a sixth born in a family of nine children. Her father is a small scale farmer and her mother a homemaker. She goes to secondary school in Meru County, but is currently behind on her studies due to delays caused by a condition impacting both legs. Mercy was born with a condition known as bilateral genu varum (sometimes referred to as bowlegs), which causes her legs to curve outward at the knees. The condition has greatly affected her mobility. She finds it difficult to walk long distances, she gets tired quickly, and is unable to fully engage in activities with friends. Her self-esteem has been dramatically impacted by constant teasing from her peers, who find her way of walking different. Fortunately, Mercy is scheduled to undergo a surgery called bilateral Proximal Tibial Osteotomy (PTO) at our medical partner's care center AIC CURE International Hospital. The treatment will heal her legs, allow her to walk easily and support her to engage better both in school and with friends. Mercy hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon in order to help other children in the future. “I am looking forward to see my legs being corrected, to live more actively and continue with my education. God bless you for the support,” Mercy told us.

Alfred, who is 69 years old, comes from a small village in Uganda. He had to leave school after only a few years of study, and now he and his wife work as small scale farmers. Alfred has been experiencing intermittent swelling in both his right and left inguinal areas for the past year. He went to different clinics, and was given pain medication, but the swelling has persisted. He shared his concerns with his son, who advised him to come to Rwibaale Health Center for an evaluation. As a result of the doctor's examination, Alfred was diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $234 to fund Alfred's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled to take place on February 15th, at Rwibaale Health Centre. After he has recovered from this procedure, Alfred should be able to resume his life, free from his current discomfort. Alfred said: "I hope to get back to my fields after recovery.’’

Kan is a retired rice farmer from Kandal province. He is the proud father of two daughters and three sons, and his family now includes ten grandchildren. Unfortunately, he experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his wife to stomach cancer several years ago. Presently, he resides with his youngest daughter and her family, finding comfort in their company. Since retirement, he has nurtured his spiritual side by frequenting the local pagoda. Over the years, he has become a wise mentor to young monks who seek his guidance. Six years ago, Kan developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him difficulty with his vision. He says he feels like something is always in his eye. It now covers his pupil and he cannot recognize friends and family. 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. When Kan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two-and-a-half hours seeking treatment. Kan needs a surgical procedure to 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 $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 2nd. Kan shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and stop irritation and I can read books and go to the pagoda by myself."