Generous is is a 65-year-old woman from Uganda. She is a widowed mother of two, and a grandmother of five. Generous currently lives with and helps care for two of her grandchildren. She has no stable source of income, and depends on small-scale farming, which generates very little income for household needs and the grandchildren under her care. In her free time, she enjoys weaving, although her condition has made it increasingly difficult for her to continue. About 40 years ago, Generous began to experience troubling symptoms, including anterior neck swelling. Over the years, the swelling progressively increased in size and became associated with difficulty swallowing and intermittent palpitations. The condition has caused longstanding discomfort and distress. The swelling has also significantly affected her physical appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. These challenges have reduced her enjoyment of activities she once loved, including weaving. Determined to seek treatment, she borrowed approximately USD 4 from her local village savings group for transport and travelled nearly two hours to reach Rushoroza Hospital after being encouraged by a friend who had previously received treatment there. She was diagnosed with bilateral multinodular goitre, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Generous receive treatment. On September 1st, she is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $333, and she and her family need help raising the funds. Generous says, “I have lived with this swelling for almost my entire life, and it has taken away my confidence and comfort. I simply wish to live without the burden I have carried for so many years. I humbly request the donor program to help me receive this surgery. Your support will give me more than treatment, it will give me back my dignity, strength, and hope to continue caring for my grandchildren. May God richly bless you for standing with me.”

Phally is 42 years old and a father of two from Cambodia. His wife is a garment factory worker, and their two children are currently in Grades 10 and 5. In his free time, he enjoys making toy cars for his children. He previously worked as a truck driver, but his health condition has forced him to stop working. Phally first began experiencing pain in both hips about six years ago and was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) in 2022. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is reduced, causing the bone tissue to become damaged. Over the past two years, his pain has become much worse. The condition has progressed particularly in his left hip, where the bone has collapsed. His left leg is now shorter than his right, making walking and moving around increasingly difficult. As the pain has worsened, Phally has become dependent on a walking frame for support and struggles with everyday activities. Phally was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On November 3rd, he will undergo a left total hip replacement (THR) to relieve his pain and improve his mobility. Phally and his family can contribute $100 and need support to cover the remaining $1,400. Phally said, “I hope the surgery will reduce my hip pain and help me walk normally again. I miss being able to work and take care of my daily activities without depending on others. My biggest wish is to regain my independence and return to driving a truck when I am able.”

Yoeung is 81 years old and a loving grandmother from Cambodia. She used to work as a laborer harvesting potatoes but has now stopped working due to her age. She is a widow, as her husband passed away 10 months ago. She has three sons, six daughters, and 30 grandchildren. She currently lives with her youngest daughter, who also works as a laborer harvesting potatoes. In her free time, she enjoys going to the pagoda and listening to monks praying on the radio. Two years ago, Yoeung developed age-related cataracts in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. 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 Yoeung learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 15th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Yoeung shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyesight will improve so I can go home and recognize my relatives, move around more easily, and live a happier life."