Scovia is 58 years old and a mother of nine from Uganda. When she was 10, she lost both of her parents within a short period, leaving her and her siblings to be raised by their grandmother. She and her husband depend on farming as the family’s main source of livelihood. They primarily grow food crops such as beans, maize, and potatoes for household consumption and sell any surplus produce to generate income for her family’s needs. Twenty years ago, Scovia began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling at the front of her neck. Because the swelling grew slowly and was not painful, she did not initially seek medical attention. However, about a month ago, she began experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and increasing breathing difficulties. Concerned about her worsening condition, she sought medical care at a nearby hospital where she was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Scovia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 2nd. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Scovia says, “This has never been painful, but recently, I couldn’t breathe. Am always catching my breath and can’t do anything about it because of limited finances. I kindly appeal to you for support to have my surgery so I can continue farming and keep my children in school.”

Secret is a 25-year-old mother of two from Uganda. She informally works as a primary school teacher, providing her with an irregular income. Her husband is a small-scale farmer who grows food mainly for the family’s consumption. During her free time, she enjoys playing with her children and singing gospel songs. These moments give her comfort and help her remain connected to her family. Secret is pregnant, and her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Secret undergo a C-Section on November 4th. This procedure will cost $214, and Secret needs your support. Secret says, “I kindly request the donors to help us receive the care we need. May God bless you for supporting mothers like me. I came back to Rushoroza because of the good care I received when I had my second child, and I trust the medical team. I have been told that I need another operation to protect my baby and me, but my husband and I cannot afford the cost.”

Evelyn is a 10-year-old smart and friendly young girl who lives in Quibdó, Colombia with her family. Her joy and curiosity shine through every day at school, where she interacts with her classmates with enthusiasm and warmth. When she grows up, Evelyn wishes to become a great veterinarian. Since birth, Evelyn has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. The condition has been causing her discomfort and tenderness in the navel area, especially when performing activities like jumping, playing and enjoying her childhood. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia, and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, Evelyn is scheduled for repair surgery on August 20th. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Evelyn's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live a healthier life. Evelyn’s mother says, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your support in my daughter’s surgery. Your generosity, solidarity, and big hearts are a true beacon of hope during this very important time for our family. Thanks to your help, we will be one step closer to giving my daughter the opportunity to receive the treatment she needs. We will never forget this noble gesture. May God bless you abundantly, grant you health, peace, and prosperity, and multiply all the good you have sown in our lives. With all our love, respect, and eternal gratitude."