Meet Charles, a 56-year-old father of five children from Uganda. Despite being orphaned at a young age, he has proven himself to be a smart and respected businessman. Due to his circumstances, Charles was only able to complete primary school. His tearoom business has been the main source of income for his family, enabling him to support his children's education and sustain their livelihood. However, recently, the tearoom business has been facing challenges, resulting in reduced profits. To cope with the family expenses, Charles and his wife have taken up farming alongside the tearoom business. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the radio to stay informed about current affairs. Since 2022, Charles has been dealing with a medical issue called a hydrocele, which causes swelling around his groin. This condition has been causing him pain while performing daily activities, discomfort while walking, and a persistent feeling of fullness in the scrotal area when he stands for long periods. After consulting with a doctor, he was diagnosed with a non-communicating hydrocele. The doctor advised him to undergo hydrocelectomy to prevent potential complications, such as infections that could be life-threatening. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Charles is scheduled to undergo hydrocele repair surgery on August 2nd at AMH's care center. AMH is now requesting $139 to help fund Charles's surgery. Once the procedure is completed, it is hoped that he will experience improved comfort and confidence in his daily life. Charles says, "Surgery is the only hope I'm left with to restore my health. Without your support, I have no other way to pay for my surgery and hence I appeal for your support.”

Three year old Tilian is the youngest of the 12 children in his family. They all live in a remote village in the Kiteto Manyara region of Tanzania. The family resides in a communal boma, consisting of small mud houses, which are just enough to accommodate them all. Tilian's parents are small farmers who depend on agriculture and livestock for sustenance and income. However, their region has been plagued by prolonged dry seasons, leading to the death of cattle and reduced harvests. As the sole provider for the family, the father has been compelled to seek day jobs to support them. Unfortunately, his income falls short of meeting the most basic necessities for their family. In September 2022, while Tilian was playing with his friends, he inadvertently came into contact with a stove, and accidentally knocked over a container of hot water. This resulted in Tilian sustaining severe burns to his arms and chest. His injuries were extensive, and Tilian was brought to the nearest dispensary for immediate first aid and wound care. After the initial treatment, Tilian was discharged and sent home with instructions for caring for the wounds, because the dispensary lacked the resources to continue caring for him. The burns on Tilian's hands took more than two months to heal, while the one on his chest required even more time for proper recovery. In March 2023, Tilian was brought to our medical partner's center. The medical team thoroughly assessed his condition, and told his parents about the availability of visiting doctors who specialize in treating similar cases. Initiating a daily wound care regimen, the medical team began to attend to Tilian’s needs. However, Tilian's father struggled to afford the transportation for multiple trips to the center. As a result, the family had to make the difficult decision to leave Tilian at the facility as a resident, while he underwent his wound care, and awaited treatment at the plastic surgery clinic. During a plastic surgery clinic this month, Tilian was evaluated by visiting surgeons. The proposed course of action is surgery to facilitate the healing of the wound on his chest. Additionally, the doctors will need to address the burn scar contractures that have developed, tightening the skin around his arm. His parents are appealing for help to ensure their son receives the proper and necessary treatment for his wounds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tilian receive treatment. On August 15th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enable him to use his hand with ease. With continued care, the wound on his chest will heal completely, preventing any further risk of infection, and allowing Tilian to lead a normal life as he grows. Now, his family needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Tilian’s father says: “We hope for his improvement, which would reduce the concerns about the risk of infection in his wound and allow him to play freely with his friends.”

Shaven is a third grade teacher living in Uganda. She and her husband - who is also a teacher - have two children, who are currently enrolled in nursery school. In order to supplement their income, Shaven also engages in farming. Shaven is currently expecting her third child. Because her pregnancy is higher risk, her doctors are recommending that Shaven deliver her child via a C-section to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Shaven undergo a C-Section on July 11th, at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. Shaven is seeking your support to fund this procedure, which will cost $252. Shaven says: “All the hope for the success of my surgery is in your hands, my donors, without it, I won’t be able to pay for my surgery, I appeal for your support.”