Francis is an eight-year-old student who lives in Uganda with his parents and five siblings. He is a bright, cheerful, and confident child who dreams of becoming a driver when he grows up. He enjoys playing football and is known for being very helpful at home. His parents are farm laborers who depend on casual work to support their family. Despite their hard work, they struggle to meet their daily needs and cannot afford the cost of the surgery their son requires. When Francis was about one year old, he began to experience on-and-off swelling in a sensitive area of his body. As he has gotten older, the swelling is sometimes accompanied by pain, especially after sleeping or playing. This has limited his ability to enjoy normal childhood activities. Francis attended our partner’s medical care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hydrocele. Francis needs surgery, or he will continue to experience painful symptoms. Fortunately, on November 2nd, Francis will undergo hydrocele repair surgery, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $146 to fund his procedure and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis’s mother shared, “Given a chance of support, I am sure my son will get operated on and will get better. My only challenge is finances, but I believe with your support, all will be well.”

Phan is a 76-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and has one daughter, two sons, and three grandchildren. He lives with his wife, who is also a farmer, his daughter, who is a vegetable seller, and his son, who is a farmer. Phan likes to listen to monks pray and the news on the radio. About six months ago, Phan developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Phan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On November 3rd, doctors will perform a small-incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Phan said, "I hope after surgery, I can see better and go back to growing rice. I would like to plant some vegetables around my house and not worry about my eye anymore."

Rathana is a 34-year-old tuk-tuk tricycle driver from Prey Veng, Cambodia. He is divorced and has three children. In his free time, he likes to play volleyball. About two months ago, the retina of Rathana's left eye detached, causing him partial blindness and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Rathana learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 3rd, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $706 procedure. Rathana said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, so I can go back to driving my Tuk Tuk, and I feel happy I don’t worry about my eye anymore."