James is a small shop operator and 42-year-old father from Uganda. He came to the hospital with a localized swell above his umbilicus that has been persistence since childhood. Previously, the swelling was not painful, but in recent days, he started having pain around the area. Whenever he stains or does heavy lifting or bends, his pain severe. He had not been to any hospital previously but when he heard that surgery may be possible at Nyakibale Hospital he decided to visit. Doctors have diagnosed him with a supra umbilical lipoma, a non cancerous swell, and surgery was recommended. He is however not able to raise the funds needed for surgery. James is a father of four children who are all in school. He operates a small shop while his wife is a peasant farmer. All their income is directed towards paying their children's education and meeting their daily needs. James traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 4th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, James needs help to raise $196 to fund this procedure. James shared: “I can’t wait to have my health restored because this swelling has given me a hard time because I can’t bend or lift anything heavy, yet my work at the shop involves much of that. I hope to recover after my surgery and improve on my working performance at the shop.”

Peter is a 57-year-old married father of nine. Both he and his wife are maize farmers. They shared that they have worked incredibly hard and struggled to raise their nine children because of their socioeconomic status, and none of them have been able to finish school due to a lack of funds for school fees. Peter was admitted to the hospital recently and diagnosed with bilateral hydrocele, a condition he has had for more than two years. He has experienced severe pain in a sensitive area and mild headaches. The surgical team has recommended that Peter undergo a hydrocelectomy to help cure his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $450 to fund surgery for Peter. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 11th. Peter shared, “My hope is to be well. I want to get treated and continue supporting my family.”

Yom is a 54-year-old woman who is married with one daughter, three sons, and three grandchildren. Yom and her husband are mango farmers. She shared with us that she enjoys listening to the news on the radio. Five years ago, Yom developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her irritation, discomfort with her appearance, 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Yom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for seven hours with her sister seeking treatment. Yom 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 her procedure is $216. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 15th. Yom shared, "I hope after my surgery my eye irritation stops so I can return to work on the mango farm."