Jane is a polite and calm 17-year girl from a family of four children. Jane’s father is a small-scale farmer of maize and vegetables and practices livestock keeping. Jane completed her primary education late last year and started secondary school, but had to stop because the walk to school grew to be too painful. Jane was diagnosed with left Genu Valgus meaning her leg is bent causing her knees to knock against each other when walking. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Jane experiences pain and exhaustion after just a short distance walk. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is raising $880 to fund corrective surgery for Jane. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 5th. Treatment will hopefully restore Jane's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Jane shared, “I would like to continue with my studies because I want to be either a teacher or a nurse.”

Justine is a 46-year-old mother of three who needs surgery to cure her thyroid condition. She used to be a teacher, but as a result of the pandemic, she lost her job. She now runs a business selling vegetables. Two years ago, Justine began to experience troubling symptoms, including neck swelling, coughing, difficulty breathing whenever she lies down to sleep, and heart palpitations when she walks at a high altitude or does strenuous work. She also experiences night sweats, and can barely carry anything on her head, which is a necessary part of her business. Justine was diagnosed with a bilateral goiter. She requires surgery to remove her thyroid, in order to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Justine to receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on June 14th at Karoli Lwanga Hospital in Nyakibale, and needs $252 to cover the costs of this procedure. Justine says: “I hope that after surgery, I will be free from pain, get healed, and will be able to continue with my business in good health.”

Sambath is a loving 78-year-old grandmother. She has two daughters and six beautiful grandchildren. Sambath's husband has unfortunately passed away, so she now lives with her youngest daughter, who is a garment worker. Sambath spends much of her time cooking for her family, caring for her grandchildren, and listening to monks pray on the radio. One year ago, Sambath developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience light sensitivity, blurry vision, and eye tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When she learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On August 9th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sambath says,"After surgery, I hope my eye can see everything clearly so I can take care of myself, go to the ceremonies at the pagoda, and help to take care of my grandchildren."