Byereta is a 58-year-old farmer and policeman, and a married father to seven children. Two of his daughters are married, while the other five are still studying in school. His wife is a small scale farmer. He shared that because of having many children in school, he had to acquire loans to pay their school fees and support their family. In February of 2020, Byereta visited the hospital with a swelling that caused him unbearable pain. He was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia and it was recommended that he have surgery, but he was called for training and never underwent the procedure. After his training, he was re-examined and surgery was again recommended to ensure a complete recovery. Because of the hernia, Byereta has difficulty bending down or carrying out any strenuous activity. If not treated, the hernia may become strangulated. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Byereta to receive treatment. Fortunately, on May 22nd, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center. Now, AMH is requesting $230 to fund Byereta's surgery. Once complete, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Byereta shared, “I have suffered a lot with this condition because my finances can't enable me pay for my bill on my own due to overwhelming bank loans and the little balance I receive. I use it to buy soap, salt, and paraffin to light the lamp at home. My situation is getting worse yet my entire family looks up to me. I kindly ask for your support so that I can regain my health and continue working effectively for the betterment for my health and my family.”

Rukurucu is a 75-year-old farmer. He and his wife grow bananas, coffee, maize and cassava. He shared that they had four children, but sadly, two of his children have passed away. His remaining children have grown and now families of their own. For eight years, Rukurucu has had an inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him pain, especially when he does strenuous activities like lifting heavy luggage or coughing. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Rukurucu receive treatment. On June 8th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH's care center and now, AMH is requesting $230 to fund Rukurucu's surgery. Rukurucu shared, “I hope that I will be healed of this condition once I undergo the surgery. Hopefully, I will resume farming after fully recovering.”

Lay is a 42-year-old cookie seller at a local school. She has one son and her husband passed away of lung cancer two years ago. The school Lay normally sells cookies at is closed during the COVID lockdown, so she is staying at home right now. She shared that she enjoys planting flowers and gardening. Four years ago, Lay developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her tearing and irritation. 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 Lay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there with her sister seeking treatment. Lay 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 May 13th. Lay said, "I hope after surgery I feel comfortable and my eye looks better. Then I can look forward to selling sweets again when the school opens."