Esther is a small-scale farmer and widow. She is a lively 81years old - still farming when she is healthy. At present she is unable to work because of her condition. She and her late husband have seven grown children, all with their own families. In the last five years, Esther has been experiencing periodic post-menopausal bleeding, often accompanied by backache and lower abdominal pain. She has been diagnosed with Endometrial Hyperplasia. Doctors recommend she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $755 to fund Esther's surgery. On January 18th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Esther will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Esther said shyly, “I am feeling bad sharing this problem with my children. I kindly request help so that I can be treated and get well to take care of myself. I don’t want to continue burdening and disturbing them.”

Lang Heang is a 62-year-old active grandmother. She has a rice farm with her husband, who is the assistant chief of their commune. She has one son, two daughters, and three grandchildren. At home, she enjoys listening to the news and monks praying on the radio. One year ago, Lang Heang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her cloudy vision, light sensitivity, and frequent tearing. Household tasks and cooking for her family are difficult for her due to her declining vision. When Lang Heang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 3rd doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and will implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Lang Heang says, "I hope after surgery I can see well again, go back outside more and keep planting rice."

Zackaria is a 9-month-old baby from Tanzania. His young parents work hard to take care of their only child's needs. They used to depend on farming to make ends meet, but recently the rainy season has been unreliable due to the climate. Zackaria's father, working together with the mother, then started a small business selling food products. They are now trying to run their new business while raising their baby. Zackaria has clubfoot of both his feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes as he grows older. Fortunately, Zackaria traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on December 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Zackaria's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to grow up active and healthy. Zackaria’s father says, “it is my wish to see my son with normal feet.”