Monic is a 34-year-old woman from Uganda. She has been a Catholic nun of the Sacred Heart of Jesus congregation for eight years. She is part of a family of seven, with two brothers and four sisters. Monic loves volunteering in her free time. She takes care of the sick and disabled in her community. Monic lives in the convent with other nuns, there she also farms and studies accounting and finance. Monic has been experiencing right pelvic pain and uncomfortable urinary symptoms for three years. She's tried multiple kinds of treatment, and nothing has alleviated her symptoms. Upon seeing the doctor at Karoli Lwanga Hospital she was examined, and imaging revealed a dermoid cyst, a benign cyst that can cause severe pain. She was advised to undergo a cyst removal surgery with the hope of a complete recovery. Our partner, African Mission Healthcare is requesting $220 to fund Monic's surgery. Monic says, “I hope to get well and continue with my activities in good health once am given a chance to get operate under your support."

Mu is a 62-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her family in a village in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. She works as a day laborer and housekeeper. She also collects and sells recyclable materials for additional income to support her daily needs. In September 2023, Mu accidentally fell down the stairs and fractured her hip, making it difficult for her to walk and move her legs. She is in constant pain, affecting her ability to sleep and perform her daily tasks. Fortunately, Mu learned about our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF). At BCMF's care center, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve Mu of her pain and allow her to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for March 1st and Mu needs help raising $1,500 to pay for this procedure. “I felt sad and depressed when I realized I needed surgery because I couldn’t afford to pay for it,” said Mu. “I am also concerned about my ability to take care of myself. I was thrilled and felt grateful to all the donors and BCMF when I learned they would help pay for my treatment. I want to take care of myself without anyone’s help. I don’t want to put anyone under unnecessary pressure. Along with that, I want to walk like I used to again.”

Mao is a retired rice farmer and widow from Kampong Thom province, where she lives with one of her daughters. Her other four children and grandchildren live nearby. After retiring from decades of work in the rice paddies, Mao started to help more around the house and with childcare for her grandkids. She enjoys spending time with family, and visiting the local pagoda to pray. About six months ago, Mao developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On February 1st, 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. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can do the housework easily and take good care of my grandchildren."