Voeun is a retired rice farmer from Kompong Thom province in Cambodia. He is 73 years-old and married with two sons, three daughters, and five grandchildren. One of his daughters and her husband live nearby and help support Voeun and his wife by working in the rice fields. The other children help when they can. In his free time, Voeun likes listening to the news on the radio and going to the pagoda to pray. About one year ago, Voeun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Voeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, 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. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He shared, "I hope after surgery I can recognize my grandchildren better and I would like to go to the pagoda on my own without my family worrying about me."

Beatrice is a friendly, outspoken, and determined woman from Uganda. She separated from her husband fifteen years ago, leaving her to care for their two sons and one daughter. Her elder son is a teacher, her daughter is a nurse operating a small medicine shop, and her younger son is in school and just finished senior year six. Growing up, Beatrice wished to become a teacher, but she had to leave school early. Despite this setback, Beatrice has worked hard to provide an education for her children from the modest income she makes from running a small retail shop. She also engages in farming to supplement her income. Over six years ago, Beatrice began to experience troubling symptoms, including an anterior neck swelling. She reports feeling that her neck veins are always paralyzed, experiencing pain when swallowing, having shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing when sleeping. As her symptoms became too severe to manage, she sought help at our medical partner’s care center. The doctors had her undergo a thyroid test and diagnosed her condition as a giant goiter. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Beatrice needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Beatrice receive treatment. On April 9th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which the surgeon will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Beatrice said, “I am hopeful for a successful surgery, and I will continue with my business in good health after I have recovered.”

Kondwani is a 34-year-old farmer and fisherman from Malawi. He is married with two sons aged twelve and seven years. Kondwani never went to school but is keen to support his children's education so they can have better opportunities in the future. Kondwani finds pleasure in fishing, and enjoys a meal of nsima made from cassava flour, and roasted fish. Six months ago, Kondwani was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia, which occurs when tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The issue began with a minor swelling that led him to seek treatment at a local hospital. However, he was unable to receive immediate treatment because of the hospital's lengthy waiting list and his financial constraints. The swelling has since enlarged, causing him significant pain and making it difficult for him to perform his everyday tasks. Kondwani visited our medical partner's care facility, Partners in Hope Medical Center (PiH), where he was examined and surgery recommended. Kondwani however lacks the funds required for the surgical procedure. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare is helping Kondwani receive treatment. On April 16th, Kondwani will undergo hernia repair surgery at PiH, alleviating the pain and enabling Kondwani to live more comfortably and confidently after recovery. Now, Kondwani needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Kondwani says, “I look forward to continue working and supporting my family after surgery.”