Edson is a 53-year-old man from Uganda. He and his wife are both small-scale farmers, and together they have six children, all school-going. Despite living on a limited and unpredictable income, Edson remains committed to providing for his family and ensuring that his children have the opportunity to attend school. However, Edson’s responsibilities extend far beyond his immediate family. He is currently responsible for a total of 17 people: his six children, his two elderly parents, and nine orphaned children whom he supports. This makes him the primary source of hope and survival for a remarkably large household. For about three years, Edson has lived with a mass behind his left knee, known as a left popliteal mass. The swelling has progressively increased in size and gradually interfered with his ability to perform his normal activities. For someone whose livelihood depends on physical labor, the condition has been especially challenging, as it has increasingly limited his ability to perform these duties. Edson has always trusted Rushoroza Hospital because of his previous knowledge of the quality of services provided there. When the swelling continued to increase and interfere with his daily activities, he decided to seek specialized medical attention. He travelled for approximately one hour to reach the hospital and spent about USD 4 on transportation. Upon arrival, Edson was assessed, and the findings revealed a lipoma requiring a major mass excision. The diagnosis gave Edson renewed hope. After struggling with the swelling for about three years, he finally has an opportunity to receive a lasting solution. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edson receive treatment. On September 1st, he will undergo mass excision surgery to relieve his discomfort, improve his mobility, and allow him to return to his farming activities. Now, Edson needs help to raise $261 to fund this procedure. Edson says, “I am responsible for 17 people, including my six children, my two elderly parents, and nine orphans. Today, I am the one who needs help, yet so many people depend on me. This swelling has taken away my ability to work and provide for them. I humbly appeal to the donors to help me receive this surgery. Your support will restore my health, my ability to work, and hope for the 17 people who depend on me. May God richly bless you for standing with me.”

Thea is a 49-year-old food seller from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veaeng Province with his wife, who is also a food seller. They have two children; their eldest works in a footwear factory, and their youngest is in the fourth grade. In his free time, he enjoys chatting with friends in his village. One week ago, Thea sustained a fracture on his left ankle after hitting a stone while riding a motorcycle. The injury caused severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Since then, he has experienced significant difficulty walking and relies on crutches for mobility. The pain and stiffness in his left ankle have limited his ability to work and carry out daily activities independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 11th, Thea will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fracture and allow the ankle to heal properly. It is expected to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more easily and return to his daily activities. Thea can contribute $50, but needs help raising $550 more to fund his procedure and care. Thea stated, “After the surgery, I hope that my pain and stiffness will improve, and that I will be able to walk more easily without relying on crutches. I hope to regain my independence, perform my daily activities comfortably, and improve my quality of life.”

Mao is a 73-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. She is a widow, as her husband died six years ago due to a heart attack. Now, she has two sons, seven daughters, and 26 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio. About two years ago, Mao 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, similar to 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 Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 25th, 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. Mao said, "I hope after surgery, I can see better, easily go out to join ceremonies, and recognize my relatives well."