Emmanuel is a 74-year-old, small-scale farmer living in Uganda. Most of his children are grown and married. A year ago, Emmanuel developed a small swelling around his testis. Initially, it was painless, but as time went on, it started increasing in size and became painful. Emmanuel went to a local clinic and was given medication. Unfortunately, the medicine hasn't provided any relief and Emmanuel now finds it difficult to walk and farm because of his discomfort. Emmanuel traveled to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, seeking help. On May 5th, surgeons at Rushoroza Hospital will remove the mass. Now, Emmanuel needs your help to fund this $145 procedure. Emmanuel says, “My productivity has been greatly affected by my poor health. I hope to get well through surgery. I will continue with farming after I have completely recovered.”

Six-year-old Tay lives with her mother, sister, and brother in a village in Shan State in Burma. Tay's mother is a teacher. When Tay was three years old, she was frequently ill with a rapid heartbeat and fingertips that would turn blue. Her mother brought her to a nearby hospital, where the doctor told them that Tay had congenital heart disease and would need to be treated in Yangon. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tay's mother did not feel it was safe to take Tay to Yangon. When she turned five, Tay's symptoms worsened, and her mother brought her to a hospital in Yangon in August 2022. At the hospital, Tay was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect, and her mother was told that Tay would require surgery- which the family could not afford to pay for. Fortunately, Tay's aunt referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, for help. Now Tay is scheduled to undergo atrial septal defect closure at Pun Hlaing Hospital on May 13th. As Tay is becoming progressively more ill- with episodes of rapid breathing and weight loss due to a lack of appetite- this procedure is critical for her health and well-being. Burma Children Medical Fund is seeking $1,500 to cover the cost of Tay's care. “When I learned that my daughter [Tay] needs surgery, I felt very sad and I cried because I cannot afford to pay for her surgery. But when I learned that the organization [BCMF] will support the cost of my daughter’s surgery, I felt very happy and thankful to all the donors and that organization. I want to see her healthy,” said Tay's mother.

Robert is a 37-year-old carpenter. He is a humble, disciplined, and kind gentleman, and the third-born in a family of four brothers. He remained in school for as long as he could but had to drop out due to rising tuition. Robert recently got married. His wife is a hairdresser and he works as a carpenter on a commission basis. While they both work very hard, their combined income is still low. Over a year ago, Robert started to have swelling in his left leg. The swelling causes him to experience piercing pain and paralysis, which hinders his ability to work. Although he had not sought medical treatment before, he decided to see a doctor when the symptoms became severe. Robert traveled to African Mission Healthcare (AMH), our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. Fortunately, surgeons at AMH are able to help, and surgery to remove Robert's mass is scheduled for April 13th. Now, Robert needs help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Robert says “I hope I will get healed, walk well, and will be able to resume my activities in good health.”