Christine is a 44-year-old mother from Uganda. She has two children, both of whom are enrolled in school. Early on in her marriage, her husband passed away. As a widow, Christine relies on subsistence farming to provide food and financial support for her family. To earn extra income, she occasionally works as a casual laborer on other farms. These additional earnings help her afford essential household necessities such as soap, salt, and other daily requirements. Christine finds joy in seeing her children pursue their education, hoping it will open doors to future professional opportunities. Five years ago, Christine began to experience troubling symptoms, notably a swelling at the front of her neck. Although initially painless, the swelling began to cause her discomfort. Over time, Christine began to experience difficulty with swallowing and breathing, shortness of breath, and palpitations after engaging in laborious tasks. Her condition limited her ability to work on her farm and carry out daily responsibilities, significantly affecting her quality of life. Due to financial constraints, Christine initially resorted to local herbs and traditional remedies to manage her condition. However, the interventions provided no relief, and she underwent screening at Nyakibale Hospital. There, Christine was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in front of your neck and produces hormones that are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Christine requires surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Christine receive treatment. On November 1st, Christine will undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons may remove all or a portion of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Christine says, “Having my surgery with your support will be a blessing. Once I am back on my feet, I am sure I will be able to keep up with farming and will continue working at my best to keep my children in school. I can’t do this on my own and kindly appeal to you for support.”

Kun is a 62-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and lives with his wife, who is also a rice farmer. They have five children, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. Their children visit often and provide support. In his free time, he enjoys listening to monks chanting and praying. Kun suffered a fracture dislocation of his right hip on May 5th, 2026, after falling off a motorcycle while going downhill. The injury has caused severe pain that worsens with movement. He is unable to walk and is currently confined to a wheelchair, making it difficult for him to care for himself and carry out daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 11th, Kun will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help restore proper alignment of his hip, relieve pain, and improve his mobility. This treatment will allow him to walk again, regain independence, and return to spending time with his family and daily life activities. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 for his procedure and care. Kun said, “After the surgery, I hope that I will regain my strength and mobility so I can care for myself and spend time with my family again.”

Garoma is a farmer from Ethiopia. This 70-year-old farmer has worked the land all his life alongside his wife, who farms with him. Together they raised eight children, four sons and four daughters. He lives in a rural area with two of his children and his grandchildren, and he still farms to feed the family and pay his grandchildren's school fees. For more than thirteen years he has lived with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Three years ago his symptoms became much worse. He went to the nearest health centre, but there was no surgeon there who could operate, so he was sent home to cope as best he could. His condition has now grown serious. He travelled to the city, where his eldest daughter lives, to find proper care. Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis and told him he needs surgery, but his family cannot afford it. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund the procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on October 29th and, once completed, will improve Garoma's quality of life. Garoma shared, "I just want to live without this pain and discomfort, and without the shame I carry every day."