Daphine is a sociable 45-year-old woman from Uganda. Born into a large family of 13 children, she went to school until Primary 5, but had to drop out due to her family's financial constraints. Daphine later got married at 17, and together with her husband, they have 5 children. To sustain their household, she and her husband engage in farming, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling the surplus to earn income. For about two years now, Daphine has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. Her symptoms subsided after seeking treatment, but about nine months ago, the symptoms recurred, this time more severely. She again sought care at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale, where she was treated by a gynecologist, and her condition temporarily improved. Unfortunately, the symptoms have since returned, prompting further investigations. Daphine has been diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Daphine's surgery. On March 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital. Once recovered, Daphine will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Daphine says, “There has never been a day that passes without bleeding. I am very worried for my health, but have no way of affording the funds needed for my surgery. I kindly request your support.”

Chantha is a 43-year-old former construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with his wife, who works in a garment factory. They have three children: the eldest works as a car repairer, the second is a construction worker, and the youngest is in Grade 6. He is currently unemployed and spends his time raising chickens and growing vegetables at home. In May 2022, Chantha sustained a fracture on his right thighbone when he was trapped under a collapsed house. He initially underwent fracture repair surgery with plate and screws, followed by antegrade intramedullary nailing due to persistent symptoms. Presently, he experiences ongoing discomfort related to the surgical hardware. The condition causes persistent pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing. He currently uses crutches for mobility, and has difficulty performing normal daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 19th, Chantha will undergo a fracture repair procedure (hardware removal with K-nail and bone grafting) which is expected to reduce his pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more comfortably without metal-related discomfort. Chantha is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $550 more to fund the procedure. He says, “I hope this surgery will relieve my pain, allow me to walk normally again, and help me live without discomfort from the metal in my leg.”

Chhem is a 61-year-old woman from Cambodia. She lives in Prey Veng Province with her elderly husband and her second child, who is a rice farmer. She has six children, three of whom are married and live in a nearby village. She helps care for her grandchildren and spends her free time listening to monks' sermons. One year ago, Chhem started to experience pain in her nose and ears, headaches, and blurred vision, which have significantly affected her daily life. These symptoms make it difficult for her to sleep and leave her feeling constantly tired, limiting her ability to care for her family. She previously sought treatment at another hospital, where she received medication for two weeks, but her condition did not improve. Chhem has now traveled to our medical partner’s care center to seek further treatment. On April 2nd, surgeons at Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) will perform endoscopic sinus surgery to help relieve her symptoms and improve her quality of life. Her family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $299 more to fund her procedure and care. Chhem said, “After the surgery, I hope that the pain in my nostril, headache, ear pain, and blurred vision will go away, so I can sleep better and feel healthy again."