Riya is a 13-year-old student from Kompong Cham province, Cambodia, who lives with her parents and two siblings. Her father works in a plywood factory, and her mother stays at home to care for the family. Riya is in the 9th grade and enjoys studying Khmer literature. She dreams of becoming a teacher in the future. Riya has been living with chronic wounds on both of her feet since the age of three due to spina bifida, a condition that caused nerve damage and loss of sensation in her feet. Because she cannot feel injuries, her wounds have persisted and worsened over time, which has made daily life challenging, especially as her home has stairs, increasing the risk of further injury. Riya first received treatment for spina bifida at a government hospital. However, as complications developed, she experienced ongoing wounds and infections. Determined to find proper care, her family traveled four hours to reach our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), where she underwent debridement and toe amputations. Now, Riya needs to undergo flap surgery to help close her wounds, prevent further complications, and improve her quality of life. Fortunately, CSC is supporting her treatment. On April 7th, surgeons will perform flap surgery to help her wounds heal properly and allow her to live a safer and healthier life. CSC requests $859 to fund this procedure. Riya's mother said, "As a mother, it hurts deeply to see her suffer for so many years. I hope this surgery will finally help her heal, prevent more wounds, and allow her to live a safer, healthier life without pain."

Vasta is a 70-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. She grew up with one younger sister and lost both of her parents at a very young age. When their mother died, Vasta’s sister was only two months old, and Vasta took on the responsibility of caring for her. Because of this, she never had the opportunity to attend school or marry. Through years of farming, Vasta has worked hard to support her sister’s education. Her sister later became a teacher and now helps care for Vasta. At her age, Vasta does not do much work at home, but on good days, she joins others in weeding the banana plantation. Her favorite meal is matooke served with meat or beans. About 30 years ago, Vasta noticed a swelling at the front of her neck. For many years, it did not cause pain. Over time, however, she began to experience pain when swallowing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath. As her symptoms worsened, Vasta sought care at a nearby government health center but was advised to seek treatment at a larger facility. Because of limited finances and temporary relief from pain medication, she was unable to follow up at that time. Recently, when her symptoms became more severe, Vasta’s granddaughter brought her to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. After examination and testing, doctors diagnosed her with a non-toxic multinodular goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Doctors recommended surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is supporting Vasta’s care. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 3rd where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. The surgery costs $252, and Vasta and her family need support to fund her treatment. Vasta says, “Other than this problem, I have been fine and have never had any other problem, but I believe with your support, I will be operated on and will get well.”

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."