Pricilla is a 68-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is a widow and a mother of ten children, though sadly only four are alive. She is also taking care of her twin grandchildren. She shared that she has faced many challenges, but she is glad that her grandchildren can help her around the home. For several years, Pricilla has been experiencing severe lower abdominal pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. In the past, she visited a health center where she was given medication that helped briefly, but later, her symptoms worsened, particularly when straining. She has been diagnosed with uterine prolapse and she has had to stop farming due to her condition. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Pricilla receive treatment. On January 18th, she will undergo a hysterectomy, or a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Once recovered, Pricilla will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Now, she needs help raising $319 to fund her procedure and care. Pricilla shared, "I pray that I may get well through surgery because I can no longer do anything on my own and my survival is at risk. I hope to continue with farming after recovery."

Giripina is an elder from Uganda who had eleven children- three of whom are still living. She is a small-scale farmer alongside her husband, who also practices carpentry. During her free time, Giripina enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. One month ago, Giripina began to experience uncomfortable symptoms, including a bulging abdomen. She continued with her activities at home, hoping that the condition would go away on its own. When the symptoms intensified, she was referred to a hospital where she was diagnosed with partial intestinal obstruction. The doctors recommended surgery given that, if left untreated, Giripina could develop worsened obstruction, gangrene, intestinal perforation, sepsis, or death. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Giripina with this life-saving treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a curative laparotomy on March 10th. This procedure will cost $297, and Giripina and her family need your support. Gripina says, “I pray for a successful surgery. I hope to get well so that I may be able to continue taking care of myself and my family through farming.”

Chaw is a 14-month-old girl from Burma. She lives with her parents, brother, and three sisters. Everyone in her family, except her youngest sister who goes to school, works on the farm, growing rice, betel nut and lime. They also have a small rubber plantation. Sometimes, Chaw's father and brother also work as day laborers. Two days after she was born, Chaw's mother noticed a lump at the base of her spine. The lump gradually increased in size, and when she was brought to a hospital in Thailand, the doctor suspected that the lump was caused by spina bifida. Doctors want Chaw to undergo a MRI, an imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of bodily organs. This scan will hopefully help doctors diagnose her condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $814 to cover the cost of Chaw's MRI and care, which is scheduled for February 7th. Chaw's mother said, "After I noticed that her lump was increasing in size, I felt very worried that her condition is caused by cancer. I am really thankful to all of the donors and BCMF staff. May this organization continue to help more patients in the future."