Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Savoeun is a 51-year-old widow from Kandal province, Cambodia. She has three sons, one daughter, and 11 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest son, who is a construction worker. She likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Savoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Savoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On July 2nd, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Savoeun said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren and I can go far places by myself."

Nuwamanya is a 51-year-old widow and mother of eight children from Uganda. She is the firstborn of fifteen children. She never had the opportunity to attend school and has relied on small-scale farming to support her family. For the past two months ago, Nuwamanya began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent lower abdominal pain. She was given painkillers, but the pain persisted and has significantly affected her daily life. She is unable to work on her farm or eat comfortably, as eating tends to worsen the pain. She also experiences difficulty sleeping, particularly when lying on one side, and has been having persistent episodes of fever. Concerned about her worsening condition, her daughter advised her to seek further medical attention at our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Hospital. She was diagnosed with a splenic cyst and a splenic echogenic mass. Physicians recommend surgery to open up the abdominal cavity to treat her condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Nuwamanya's surgery. On November 3rd, she will undergo surgery, and once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve her quality of life. Nuwamanya says, "The pain is too much, but I trust that the treatment will help me, and I will be able to work again. Thank you for the support."