Choeun is a 41-year-old construction worker. His wife and two sons also work in the same profession. Choeun enjoys watching the news on TV and looking at Facebook on his phone. Three years ago, Choeun developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye, and occur due to excessive sun damage. Due to the abnormal growth, Choeun has difficulty seeing things clearly and working. When Choeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two hours with his wife seeking treatment. Choeun needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva and prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $216, which will cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for June 17th. Choeun expressed his hopes for the future: "I hope after surgery my eye feels comfortable so I can work well and go anywhere on my own."

Bakandema is a 79-year-old man who runs a small banana plantation, which he and his wife tend to together. They also cultivate maize, beans, and potatoes for their family. Bakandema also brews traditional beer to complement the income from the farm. However, at his old age, he has to work hard to make sufficient income. His eight children have left the nest, but all work in casual labour with limited income. For the last three years, Bakandema has had a right inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him pain, especially when he bends or walks for some time. He cannot sleep well these days. The hernia has been getting worse over time and, without treatment, might become a strangulated hernia which is life-threatening. After selling some goats to travel and pay for his treatment, Bakandema came to Nyakibale Hospital for medical review. He was recommended to undergo herniorrhaphy surgery to treat his condition. However, Bakandema cannot afford the cost of his care and appeals for financial support. Fortunately, on June 9th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Bakandema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Bakandema shared, “I pray that you help me get treated because I have been in pain for a long time. Once relieved, I will live to give a testimony about what you have done for me as I continue with farming to sustain my family.”

Kasande is a farmer and mother of three. She and her husband work on their own farm as well as doing working on other people's farms to make ends meet. For the past four years, she has been having an inguinal swelling that has been on and off. However, in the last three months, the swelling started to become more painful and she cannot comfortably farm or carry heavy items any longer. She also struggles to sleep on her right side. She was reviewed at the hospital and a surgery called herniorrhaphy and excision were recommended. Without the surgery, the mass might become cancerous and the hernia might present with associated complications. Fortunately, on May 11th, she'll undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $230 to fund Kasande's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Kasande says, “If my health is compromised, my family will suffer, since I am even the one who pays the school fee. I hope to regain my health and resume farming once I have fully recovered.”