Robert is a confident, straight-to-the-point 60-year-old man from Uganda. He is Mukiga by tribe, residing in a three-roomed, mud and reeds, traditional home in Southwestern Uganda. He and his wife have one child, a son who works as a primary school teacher. Growing up, Robert's hope was to become a doctor. However, challenges such as school fees prevented him from studying extensively. He and his wife farm on a small banana and coffee farm to sustain their livelihood, and he weeds the farm in his free time. For two years ago, Robert has had left inguinal hernia. This condition causes him to experience pain and discomfort when he walks long distances, works in the fields for an extended period, coughs or laughs aloud, or lifts heavy objects. Due to limited finances, Robert had not attempted to seek medical attention before; however, when his symptoms became severe, he visited our medical partner's hospital. Fortunately, on December 28th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at their care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $230 to fund Robert's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Robert said, "I will get well and will be able to resume farming in good health if I get support to undergo my surgery."

Edwin is an outspoken and confident 38-year-old from Uganda. Edwin loved school when she was young, but she was unable to proceed further with her education because her parents couldn't afford to raise money for her to attend college. Since then, she has been engaged in farming for a living. However, due to limited land, she primarily grows crops to feed her family and sells the surplus to generate income. Her husband works as a farmer and often engages in casual labor in other people's gardens to earn an income. During her free time, she enjoys taking care of her family, performing domestic chores such as cooking, washing, and maintaining the household. Edwin has a poor obstetric history. She has been pregnant seven times, but she reports having experienced five miscarriages due to an unknown cause. Because of the stress from these miscarriages, she has developed hypertension in pregnancy, for which she has been on medication since her first trimester. She is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of gestational hypertension and the significance of her previous obstetric challenges. This way, doctors can better ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Edwin undergo a ceasarean section on December 12th. This procedure will cost $252, and Edwin needs your support. Edwin says, “I pray that am given your support for then I can have a live baby and a successful delivery.”

Naomi Tembo is a 45-year-old married woman from Malawi. She has 4 children who are all in primary school. To support the family, Naomi works as a cook at Nkhoma College of Nursing. She also practices subsistence farming where she grows maize and groundnuts. Naomi has been experiencing lower abdominal pain followed by a swelling in her abdomen. She came to Nkhoma Hospital to seek medical help and she was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. Naomi is scheduled for hernia repair surgery on March 12th and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $500 to support the surgery. Treatment will relieve her of the pain and reduce the risks of future health complications. Naomi says, “I hope to be free from this condition that is affecting my life.”