Lydia is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious meals as a way to sustain a longer and healthier life for herself. She also enjoys watching television to relax. Above all, she remains grateful for the support of her children and does her best to manage her needs while being mindful of their own responsibilities. A year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lydia receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Lydia's procedure and care. Lydia said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I hope to recover so I can move more comfortably, care for myself better, and lessen the burden on my children."

Aye Aye is a 36-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her family moved to the camp in 2024 due to the conflict in her village in Karen State, Burma. She and her husband are teachers at the same school, earning a modest monthly income. The family’s combined income is enough to cover their daily expenses, and they receive basic health care at the hospital in the camp for free, but they cannot afford expensive treatment costs for advanced procedures. Aye Aye also periodically supports her mother, who remains in Burma, with financial assistance. During her free time, she loves to listen to gospel music while planning her teaching lessons, and enjoys going to church on Saturdays. Aye Aye is currently expecting her first child, and her baby is in a breech position. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child during delivery. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, has scheduled Aye Aye for a C-Section on August 13th at their care center, Tha Song Yang Hospital. The procedure will cost $1500. Aye Aye said, “When I heard that I need to give birth through a C-section, I became so worried, and my husband is running around to ask for help as we both cannot afford this high cost. However, when the medic later informed us that there is an organization and they will find donors to help us with the delivery cost, we both felt so happy that we don't know how to explain how we feel. Thank you for helping me as a refugee. We can’t imagine how life would go without your support. Thank you very much, and I pray that you will be blessed, wealthy, and healthy in your life for your kind support.”

Eunice is a 46-year-old woman from Uganda. She is one of 14 children and was raised by parents who worked as farmers. Eunice is married with one child, her husband works as a teacher at a private school while she works as a cleaner at a health center. She also enjoys making baskets and knitting tablecloths, which provide an outlet for her creativity and resourcefulness. Four years ago, Eunice began experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding. Initially, she experienced irregular, prolonged, and heavy menstrual bleeding. However, her symptoms worsened considerably over the past three months, and she is now experiencing severe abdominal pain, headaches, and dizziness, which are significantly affecting her physical well-being and ability to participate in daily activities and work. Eunice was referred to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Upon medical examination, Eunice was diagnosed with uterine fibroids and persistent abnormal uterine bleeding. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $319 to fund Eunice's surgery. On November 2nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery, and once recovered, Eunice hopes to resume her daily activities with greater comfort and an improved quality of life. Eunice says, “Despite the pain and challenges I am going through, I remain hopeful that with support and proper treatment, I will regain my health, continue caring for my child, and return to my daily responsibilities. I kindly appeal for assistance to help me access the surgery I urgently need and have a chance to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.”