Meet Charles, a 56-year-old father of five children from Uganda. Despite being orphaned at a young age, he has proven himself to be a smart and respected businessman. Due to his circumstances, Charles was only able to complete primary school. His tearoom business has been the main source of income for his family, enabling him to support his children's education and sustain their livelihood. However, recently, the tearoom business has been facing challenges, resulting in reduced profits. To cope with the family expenses, Charles and his wife have taken up farming alongside the tearoom business. In his free time, he enjoys listening to the radio to stay informed about current affairs. Since 2022, Charles has been dealing with a medical issue called a hydrocele, which causes swelling around his groin. This condition has been causing him pain while performing daily activities, discomfort while walking, and a persistent feeling of fullness in the scrotal area when he stands for long periods. After consulting with a doctor, he was diagnosed with a non-communicating hydrocele. The doctor advised him to undergo hydrocelectomy to prevent potential complications, such as infections that could be life-threatening. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Charles is scheduled to undergo hydrocele repair surgery on August 2nd at AMH's care center. AMH is now requesting $139 to help fund Charles's surgery. Once the procedure is completed, it is hoped that he will experience improved comfort and confidence in his daily life. Charles says, "Surgery is the only hope I'm left with to restore my health. Without your support, I have no other way to pay for my surgery and hence I appeal for your support.”

Alven is a hardworking father from Philippines. He is a single father, acting as both parents to his daughter. He has been separated from his wife for 18 years and lives with his siblings. Alven is a maintenance worker and shared that he is known to be a "workaholic". One year ago, Alven began to experience troubling symptoms, including extreme abdominal and back pain. The pain was so extreme, he could not go to work two days a week which has affected his income. In April, he went for a check-up at Ospital ng Paranaque, a general surgery hospital. Alven was diagnosed with gallstones, hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. Alven has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Alven is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on November 11. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1128 to cover the cost of Alven's surgery and care. Alven told us: "This assistance is a big help to me because my income is only enough to support my daughter and is not sufficient to support my surgery. Your help means a lot to me and my family. I hope that you continue to help others because I am truly blessed to be one of your beneficiaries."

Jesca is a 16-year-old girl who was born with clubfoot of the right foot. At two years old, Jesca’s mother recognized the severity of her condition and took her to Nkuaranga for treatment. However, sadly her mother fell seriously ill and passed away. Left without her mother’s care and support, Jesca’s father couldn’t continue with her treatment plan. The weight of her condition and the financial burden caused Jesca to abandon her education in secondary school. Her father, a casual laborer, provides for the family by working in the fields. Fortunately, Jesca's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, The Plaster House NGO. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 15. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Jesca's clubfoot repair. After treatment, her bent right foot will straighten, and she will be able to walk comfortably. Jesca says, “It has been my wish to get treatment for my condition, I wish to be able to walk confidently without worrying how people are looking at me.”