Mekdes is a young mother from Ethiopia. At just 22, this single mother is the heart and soul of her small family, working hard to build a life for herself and her four-year-old child. She runs a small street-side stall selling fried chips, and this humble business is their only source of income. Mekdes has been fighting chronic tonsillitis for four years. Because her business is outdoors and requires her to be on her feet all day, these frequent, painful throat infections make it incredibly difficult for her to work. When she is too sick to stand at her stall, she loses the income they desperately need, creating a constant and exhausting cycle of physical pain and financial worry. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Mekdes, which is scheduled to take place on May 23rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils, hopefully relieving Mekdes of her symptoms and helping her live more comfortably. Mekdes said, "My deepest hope is to finally achieve lasting health and financial security, so I can work consistently without the constant fear that a sudden, painful illness will take away my ability to provide for my child."

Sat is a 54-year-old security guard from Kandal Province, Cambodia. He is married with three children, and he and his wife both work as security guards. His son and youngest daughter are students. In his free time, he enjoys keeping up with the news on his phone. About two years ago, Sat developed a pterygium in his right eye — a non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye — causing persistent tearing, irritation, and difficulty seeing clearly. The condition has made it hard for him to recognize faces and carry out his daily responsibilities. Fortunately, on June 17th, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will help Sat undergo pterygium removal surgery that will help him see better. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $273 more to fund his procedure and care. Sat said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, stop tearing, and can go back to work, so I don’t worry about my eye anymore."

Samuel is a 68-year-old father of five from Uganda. He and his wife earn a living through small-scale farming, growing bananas and beans to support their family. However, the farming activities generate only a limited income, which is barely enough to meet his family's basic needs. For about a year now, Samuel has had a hydrocele. He presented at Uganda Martyr's Ibanda Hospital experiencing swelling and pain, which has been causing him much discomfort. Surgery was recommended, but he is unable to afford the treatment cost, which has placed him in a difficult situation, as he is worried about providing for his family. Fortunately, on October 29th, Samuel is scheduled to undergo repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $201 to fund Samuel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Samuel says, “I am grateful to the medical team at Ibanda Hospital for the care they have given me. However, I cannot afford the cost of my recommended surgery, and I humbly appeal to the donor program for financial assistance. Following recovery, I will continue farming and work hard to improve my family’s standard of living.”