Daphine is a sociable 45-year-old woman from Uganda. Born into a large family of 13 children, she went to school until Primary 5, but had to drop out due to her family's financial constraints. Daphine later got married at 17, and together with her husband, they have 5 children. To sustain their household, she and her husband engage in farming, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling the surplus to earn income. For about two years now, Daphine has been experiencing uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. Her symptoms subsided after seeking treatment, but about nine months ago, the symptoms recurred, this time more severely. She again sought care at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital Nyakibale, where she was treated by a gynecologist, and her condition temporarily improved. Unfortunately, the symptoms have since returned, prompting further investigations. Daphine has been diagnosed with a premalignant cervical lesion. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Daphine's surgery. On March 5th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital. Once recovered, Daphine will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Daphine says, “There has never been a day that passes without bleeding. I am very worried for my health, but have no way of affording the funds needed for my surgery. I kindly request your support.”

Htee is a 51-year-old man from Burma who currently lives in a refugee camp in Tak Province, Thailand. He lives with his wife, their three children, and his brother-in-law’s family. The family moved to the camp in September 2024 so that Htee could seek medical treatment in Thailand. His wife and brother-in-law work as agricultural day laborers, while Htee is unable to work due to his health condition. In June 2021, Htee began experiencing troubling symptoms. Doctors diagnosed him with urinary tract stones and prescribed oral medication, which helped improve his condition for a period of time. In August 2024, Htee's symptoms worsened. After several consultations and tests, doctors diagnosed him with a prostate urethral stone and recommended shockwave lithotripsy, a procedure that uses high-energy shock waves directed via X-ray or ultrasound to shatter kidney stones. Htee is scheduled to undergo treatment on February 2nd. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. With treatment, Htee hopes to recover and regain his ability to support his family. “I feel helpless and unable to support my family,” said Htee. “My wife has to be the breadwinner in this family, which makes me very sad. We are struggling financially, and I can’t even send my children to school. I am grateful for the support with my treatment and hope to be free from this suffering.”

Kiya is a five-year-old boy from Ethiopia. His parents both work as shop staff members. He is in kindergarten and has two older brothers. Kiya has dealt with chronic tonsillitis since he was one year old. Tonsillitis is a condition where the inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, causes a sore throat and painful swallowing. Recently, Kiya's tonsils have been enlarged, which will result in these symptoms persisting and potentially worsening over time if not treated. Kiya will undergo a tonsillectomy on April 25th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kiya of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund this procedure. Kiya's parents shared, "We hope he will finally be able to attend school and play with his brothers without pain. We know this surgery will give him the strong physical foundation he needs to grow."