Meet Rauben, a sixty-three year old farmer from southwest Uganda. Rauben has suffered from a hernia for many years, but could not afford to come to the hospital for surgery. He has tried other remedies, such as pain killers and herbs, but lately the pain from the hernia has gotten much worse and he has not been able to work.
Rauben lives in a small village with his wife, Gena, and their children who are still at home. They grow maize, ground nuts, cassava, and other crops. Because of his pain, he has had to hire others to cultivate his land and pick his crops. Both he and Gena also pick tea and coffee for large plantations to earn extra money.
$208 will fund the hernia repair surgery that Rauben needs to get healthy. This includes all medication and post-operative care.
When he is not working, Rauben enjoys socializing with the other men in the village, perhaps having a beer, and participating in the local savings group. He also has to keep a pocket full of candies for his grandchildren.
When he gets well, Rauben says he looks forward to being able to care for and pick his own crops. He would like to tell the donors that he has been sick and they have helped him so much. He thanks them very much.