Robert is a 23-year-old casual labourer from Uganda. Due to financial challenges during his childhood, he was not able to finish school and therefore has limited employment opportunities. His parents are small-scale farmers and do not have the means to help him with his medical needs. About two months ago, Robert began to experience sharp abdominal pain that was so severe that he was rushed to a nearby clinic. He was referred to a larger hospital, where doctors discovered a large abdominal mass. Though doctors recommended surgery, Robert was unable to afford it and was given pain medication. As time has gone on, his condition has continued to deteriorate, and he is no longer able to work, which has forced him to move back in with his parents. Fortunately, one of his uncles decided to travel with Robert to our partner’s medical care centre, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Robert’s surgery will take place on November 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $242 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Robert shared, “All I request is your support. With it, I will be operated on and will get back on my feet. I have suffered enough pain, and all I ask of you is to save me.”

Oul is a 65-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. He is married, and his wife is also a rice farmer. They have two daughters, one son, and seven grandchildren. Their children work in construction and garment factories. Oul's favorite hobbies are watching boxing on television and participating in ceremonies. About one year ago, Oul developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like 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 cannot go places on his own. When Oul learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 10th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Oul contributed a $25 co-pay toward his care and needs assistance raising $238 more to fund his surgery. Oul shared his hopes that, after surgery, his vision will improve so he can easily return to growing rice, travel to distant places, and no longer worry about his eyes.

Seng is a 16-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and two sisters. His older sister sells clothes, while his younger sister is in Grade 9. He enjoys studying Khmer literature and hopes to work in an IT company when he grows up. During his free time, he enjoys reading books and playing games. In 2024, Seng was involved in a road traffic accident involving a motorbike and a car, which caused a closed fracture of his right ankle. He initially visited a private clinic and was later treated by a traditional practitioner, who applied a splint for two months. A wound developed a few days after the splint was applied and later became infected, requiring medical treatment to clean the wound and remove damaged tissue. After the splint was removed, he could no longer lift the front of his right foot. He has been living with this condition for approximately two years. He needs a tendon and nerve repair procedure to regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Seng receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on October 21st. His family can contribute $12.50, but needs help raising $689 more to fund his procedure and care. Seng's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my son walk more easily and continue his studies without difficulty. As his mother, I want to see him move freely and have a brighter future.”