Francis is an eight-year-old student who lives in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is a bright, cheerful, and confident child who dreams of becoming a driver when he grows up. He enjoys playing football and is known for being very helpful at home. His parents are farm laborers who depend on casual work to support their family. Despite their hard work, they struggle to meet their daily needs and cannot afford the cost of the surgery their son requires. When Francis was about one year old, he began to experience on-and-off swelling in a sensitive area of his body. As he has gotten older, the swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain, especially after sleeping or playing. This has limited his ability to enjoy normal childhood activities. Francis attended our partner’s medical care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hydrocele. Francis needs surgery, or he will continue to experience painful symptoms. Fortunately, on November 2nd, Francis will undergo hydrocele repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $146 to fund his procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis’s mother shared, “Given a chance of support, I am sure my son will get operated on and will get better. My only challenge is finances, but I believe with your support, all will be well.”

Phally is 42 years old and a father of two from Cambodia. His wife is a garment factory worker, and their two children are currently in Grades 10 and 5. In his free time, he enjoys making toy cars for his children. He previously worked as a truck driver, but his health condition has forced him to stop working. Phally first began experiencing pain in both hips about six years ago and was diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) in 2022. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is reduced, causing the bone tissue to become damaged. Over the past two years, his pain has become much worse. The condition has progressed particularly in his left hip, where the bone has collapsed. His left leg is now shorter than his right, making walking and moving around increasingly difficult. As the pain has worsened, Phally has become dependent on a walking frame for support and struggles with everyday activities. Phally was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On November 3rd, he will undergo a left total hip replacement (THR) to relieve his pain and improve his mobility. Phally and his family can contribute $100 and need support to cover the remaining $1,400. Phally said, “I hope the surgery will reduce my hip pain and help me walk normally again. I miss being able to work and take care of my daily activities without depending on others. My biggest wish is to regain my independence and return to driving a truck when I am able.”

Alejandro is a 55-year-old farmer from the Philippines. He is a father of four who supports his family through farm work, which he considers both his livelihood and a meaningful way to stay active. Only one of his children currently has regular employment and helps provide for the household, while his youngest children help him care for their livestock at home. For a year, Alejandro has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His health condition causes him pain and has made it difficult for him to continue working. It has also made it hard for him to eat comfortably, leading to weight loss and reduced strength. He hopes that surgery will help him recover, regain his strength, and return to the farm and the activities he enjoys. On September 26th, Alejandro will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Once completed, this procedure will enable him to live more comfortably and confidently. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are covering part of the cost of Alejandro's treatment, but he needs help raising $520 to fund his procedure and care. Alejandro said, "I am hopeful that, after the surgery, I will be able to eat properly and regain my strength. I look forward to feeling better and returning to the farm so I can continue helping my family."