Muk is a 46-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and has four sons and seven grandchildren. She lives in the capital city of Phnom Penh with her husband and youngest son, who is a high school student. Muk sells pork for a living and, in her free time, likes to watch the news and check her social media. About two years ago, Muk developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her 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, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Muk learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for an hour seeking treatment. Muk needs to undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. This surgery costs $225, which covers all medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Muk will undergo surgery on August 7th. She contributed $50 to her care. Muk shared, "I hope I can have surgery and go back to my life without worrying and be able to do my job better."

Brenda is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is the second-born in a family of five siblings, all of whom are married and self-employed. Brenda's husband works as a builder in the local community, earning a modest income to cover their family's essential needs. Brenda completed her education up to secondary class four and pursued training and certification as an account assistant. However, she was unable to find a job in this field and had to switch to farming to ensure their family's food security. During her free time, Brenda enjoys spending time with her family. Brenda is currently expecting her third child and has received a full package of antenatal care from our medical partner's care center. Her doctors recommended that she deliver via a cesarean section because of two previous scars, as she delivered her first and second child through emergency C-sections. By undergoing a C-section to deliver her new baby, the doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Brenda undergo a C-Section on October 5th. This procedure will cost $252. Brenda said, “I will be glad when am assisted to deliver my baby for a good pregnancy outcome, and I can resume farming for the betterment of my family.”

Joyce is a sweet 5-year-old girl from Kenya. Joyce's father lost his first wife, leaving him with seven children from their marriage to care for. He later remarried Joyce's mother, and together they have five children, so Joyce's full family consists of her mother, father, and eleven siblings. The two oldest children have moved out and started their own families. Joyce's parents take on various work, like working on their neighbors' farms, to provide for their family. However, they shared that their earnings are barely enough to provide food for the family, and they also receive some support from well-wishers. Joyce has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Joyce has been experiencing severe headaches accompanied by loss of speech and inability to walk over the last three weeks. Without treatment, Joyce will experience severe physical and developmental delays. On October 27th, Joyce will undergo surgery to drain the excess fluid from her brain, thus reducing the intracranial pressure and significantly improving her quality of life. With proper treatment, Joyce will develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $720 to cover the surgery cost. Joyce's mother said, "I am worried for my daughter's health. I want her to be treated and go back to her good health again."