Annah is 70 years old and a loving grandmother from Uganda. She is a widow and lives with four of her grandchildren. Her family engages in small-scale farming. For about twenty years, Annah has had a right inguinal hernia. She has experienced on-and-off swelling in her lower abdomen. She had never sought medical attention and instead used local herbs when the swelling was still small. Over time, the condition worsened, and it has significantly affected her ability to work; she can no longer carry heavy loads or bend to tend to her fields. Annah's son brought her to our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Health Center, for further care. Fortunately, on March 17th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Annah's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Annah says, "I have high hopes that after the surgery, I will be well soon and be in a position to support my grandchildren in terms of food and other needs."

Maismak is 46 years old and a mother of one from Cambodia. She lives on the outskirts of Phnom Penh with her husband. They have a small food stall, selling breakfast. Together, they are raising their 13-year-old daughter, who is currently studying in grade 6. In her free time, she goes to the local market to buy fresh ingredients to prepare breakfast. Five months ago, Maismak had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in her right ear to perforate. For this reason, Maismak experiences pain, hearing loss, and constant ringing in her ear. This makes it difficult for her to hear clearly and communicate comfortably with others in her daily life, including customers and family members. Maismak traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 12th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Maismak can controbute $100, but our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, needs $263 to fund this procedure to cover medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Maismak said, “I worry about my hearing getting worse. I hope after surgery, I will be able to listen, communicate, and live normally without discomfort.”

Kataleya is a sweet 13-year-old girl from Bolivia. Kataleya lives in the northern part of the country with her mother, who is a homemaker; her dad, who works in agriculture; and her younger sister. Kataleya was taken to the doctor with complaints of headaches, and it was during this visit that doctors heard a murmur and discovered her heart problem. Kataleya has a cardiac condition called an atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of her heart: blood leaks through this hole, leaving her weak and short of breath. On May 20th, Kataleya will undergo heart surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Kataleya's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Kataleya's mother shared, "I'm grateful that my daughter is receiving her surgery. They told me the heart murmur was going to close with time, but recently we found out it didn't. I pray she will have a good surgery, and she can feel much better so she can exercise as she wishes."