Kyohairwe is a 32-year-old mother of two from western Uganda. For the last three years, she has struggled with epigastric pain and swelling, especially when she moves and lifts things. She is not able to bend due to her abdominal pains. She has been to several hospitals and is trying to manage her condition with pain medications. When she was reviewed at our partner Nyakibale Hospital, doctors have diagnosed her with an epigastric hernia. She requires herniorrhaphy surgery but is not able to raise the funds needed from her friends and family.  Kyohairwe is a married mother of two children who are still in school. She shared with us that she did not proceed past primary school due to lack of school fees. She earns a living from small scale farming and often times working in other people's farms. Her husband operates a butchery with small earnings at this point. Her family is appealing for help. Fortunately, on January 12th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $230 to fund Kyohairwe's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Kyohairwe says: “my only hope is getting better by undergoing surgery and without your support, it won’t be possible. I will continue with farming after I have fully recovered.”

Oeun is a 76-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. Oeun has three sons, six daughters, and 20 grandchildren. Her husband passed away from tuberculosis two years ago, so Oeun lives with her youngest daughter. She enjoys listening to the monks praying at the pagoda or on the radio. Two years ago, Oeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Oeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On October 19th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Oeun said, "I hope I can see everything after my surgery well so I can get back to my farming and taking care of my grandchildren. I would like to travel to the pagoda on my own once my vision is clear."

Horn is 64-year-old mango and rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married with three sons, seven daughters, and six grandchildren. His wife is also a farmer. In his free time he enjoys listening to the news on the radio. Three years ago, Horn developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him irritation, burning, redness, and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Horn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours by tuk tuk with his daughters seeking treatment. Horn needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for September 21st. Horn said, "I hope the pterygium can be removed so I can feel comfortable and continue my work at the farm."