Eric is a 48-year-old man from DR Congo, but presently lives in a refugee settlement in Uganda. Eric and his family were forced to flee due to instability in their country, and have now lived in Uganda eight years, trying to rebuild their lives. To support themselves and care for their children, Eric and his wife engage in farming on a rented piece of land. Since he was the age of six, Eric has had a right reducible inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. The condition has caused significant discomfort and has affected most of his life. He experiences pain when lying on his stomach or back, making it difficult for him to sleep comfortably. Eric sought treatment at several health facilities, but he was mainly given painkillers, which did not provide lasting relief. Over time, his condition has continued to affect his well-being, and he has become increasingly weak. When Eric heard about a medical outreach organized by the hospital, he went in for examination by the surgical team, who recommended surgery to treat his condition. Fortunately, on August 4th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Rwibaale Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $234 to fund Eric's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Eric says, "I hope to be able to bend and do my daily activities after recovery."

Five-year-old Eban is from Ethiopia, raised in a loving home by her father, a small-scale broker, and her mother, who manages the household and cares for her and her brother. When she was only one, a mirror fell and cut her left pinky finger. Although she was treated at the time, the finger has since tightened and pulled inward into a curve, causing her parents deep worry. Eban now struggles to grab things, do other activity with her fingers, or play like other children. Sometimes she feels shy because other children her age stare at her finger, which hurts her confidence. In addition to this physical injury, she faces developmental delays that have kept her non-verbal and unable to start school with other children her age. When Eban's family learned about our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, they went there to seek treatment. On May 14th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery, which will make it much easier for her to use her hand. She will finally have the freedom to play with her toys, focus on her learning, and do everyday things all by herself. Now, Eban's family needs help to fund this $500 procedure. Her parents say: "We look forward to the day that Eban can straighten her finger."

Youen is an 80-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is a widow, as her husband died during the Khmer Rouge. She has two sons, two daughters, and 15 grandchildren. She lives with her second daughter, who is a rice farmer. Yoeun likes to listen to monks' spiritual education over the radio. About one year ago, Youen developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Youen learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On October 14th, doctors will perform a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to help fund her procedure and care. Youen said, "I hope after surgery, my eye can see better. I hope to easily recognize people and move more comfortably."