Meet 63-year-old Sarah: a small-scale farmer, living with her husband in Uganda. She is the mother of four children. Together, she and her husband make a living from a banana and coffee plantation, even though the available land limits the size of their holding. Sarah enjoys tending to her goats and performing household chores, when she isn't farming. Sarah's life changed drastically two years ago when she developed a swelling on her right arm. This condition has caused her to experience sensations of pins and needles, and paralysis of the arm. Consequently, she cannot sweep, lift objects, or engage in strenuous activities. Initially, she attempted traditional remedies, but they provided no relief. Sarah sought help from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. On August 8th, surgeons at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale will remove the mass. Now, Sarah needs your help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Sarah says: “Honestly, I am becoming lame, I can’t do anything at home, yet my husband is suffering a stroke. I have to take care of him; I kindly appeal for your support for the success of my surgery.”

Daw Khin is a widow who lives with her three children in Yangon, Burma. She now stays at home and her elder son is often sick and unable to work. Her younger son is a day laborer, and her youngest daughter is a salesperson. The income they earn is only enough for daily expenses, and there is no extra money for basic healthcare. In March, Daw Khin began experiencing blurry vision and difficulty seeing clearly with her left eye. Despite the absence of pain or discharge from both eyes, she could not seek medical attention due to financial constraints. As her vision deteriorated, she acquired some funds from her children and visited an ophthalmologist at KBC Hospital on June 5th. The doctor diagnosed her with glaucoma in both eyes and emphasized the urgent need for eye surgery in her left eye to prevent blindness. Fortunately, Daw Khin contacted a monk from Kyaung Gyi Parahita Monastery in Yangon, who referred her to the Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). Now, Daw Khin seeks assistance to raise the required $769 for the procedure, significantly improving her quality of life and restoring her confidence. Currently, she cannot read books, watch TV, or walk alone as she cannot see her surroundings. She and her family are apprehensive about her eye condition and are afraid of her becoming blind and depressed about not having enough money for further treatment. Daw Khin said, "I am thankful for the support from donors and BCMF for my eye operation's cost. If there is no BCMF and donors, I will be blinded, and there is no hope for me to regain my vision. I can't thank you enough for helping me, and I pray the organization will be more successful in the future."

Sokhem, a 21-year-old garment factory worker, lives in Kampong Speu with her family. Her parents are rice farmers, and she dedicates long hours at a nearby clothing factory to support them. When she's not working, Sokhem cherishes spending time with her four siblings and friends from work. She was born with a condition that caused frequent dislocation of her left knee. Over the past three months, her pain has intensified, rendering her unable to carry out everyday tasks. When Sokhem learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she embarked on a two-hour journey in search of treatment. On June 7th, CSC's surgeons will conduct a patella alignment procedure to enhance her leg function and alleviate the pain. This intervention aims to stabilize her left knee, restoring her left leg's range of mobility without discomfort. Sokhem requires assistance in funding the $600 procedure. She shared, "I hope I can have surgery so I won't be in pain anymore and I can go to work and improve my walking."