Justine is an engaging and friendly woman from Uganda. She and her husband have five children and farm for a living. Due to limited land, they grow enough food to feed their family and sell the surplus to generate an income. During her free time, Justine enjoys caring for her family and home through cooking and cleaning. For two years, Justine has been experiencing lower abdominal pain, discomfort, severe backaches, and other worrisome symptoms. Due to limited finances, she has not sought medical attention before, but when her symptoms became unbearable and she could no longer work, Justine came to our medical partner's hospital. The doctor diagnosed her with uterine myomas and recommended she undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. On February 28th, she will undergo gynecological surgery that will allow her to resume her daily activities free of pain once she recovers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $219 to fund Justine's surgery. Justine said, "My faith is strong that, when given a chance of your support, I will be operated on and get better. I hope to regain my strength to resume farming in good health."

Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."

Thon is an 81-year-old retired teacher from Kampong Cham province. He and his wife have two daughters and six grandchildren. He lives with his wife and their youngest daughter, who works as a rice farmer. At home, he likes to listen to the news and the monks praying on the radio. In the evening, he and his wife like to take walks. About two years ago, Thon developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is unable to go places on his own. When Thon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours to get treatment. On April 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Thon and his family are able to contribute $100 but need help to raise $253 to fund the procedure. Thon said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, I can go outside by myself and read books again."