Niwarinda is a 27-year-old mother to a preschooler. She completed college and was trained to be a grade 3 nursery school teacher, but her profession was removed from the Ugandan professions list. She tried to open her own small business, but, unfortunately, her husband--a boda boda driver (a motorcycle taxi driver for hire)--was in an accident and they lost everything. Thankfully, her husband recovered well and he is now back at work. Six months ago, Niwarinda began to experience troubling symptoms, including night sweats, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. She was diagnosed with a goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Niwarinda receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 29th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. Now, she needs help to fund this $252 procedure. Niwandida says, “I think I will get better when I receive your support to undergo surgery because I have really passed through a lot of pain for all these years.”

Theara is a 19-year-old student from Cambodia. His parents are farmers and grow rice and vegetables. He has three siblings, including one brother and two sisters. He is in the 12th grade and enjoys reading Khmer literature. When he graduates from high school, he would like to attend a university to study law. Theara was born with bilateral club feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. His parents consulted with a local hospital when he was born, but they did not follow up because they did not have the money. Now, he has difficulty walking and cannot wear shoes. He feels embarrassed by his condition and does not like to socialize with other people due to his disability. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. Theara traveled two and a half hours to visit CSC where, on November 15th, surgeons will perform a tendon transfer procedure with bilateral clubfoot frames. After treatment, he can learn to walk normally and will have more self confidence. Now, he needs help raising $444 to fund his procedure and care. Theara shared, "after surgery, I hope I can walk and run, and wear shoes like other young men, so I can continue my education."

Yeun is a 70-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He and his wife are proud parents and grandparents of two daughters, five sons, and seven grandchildren. They live with their youngest daughter, who sells groceries from the front of their home. At home, Yeun likes to read books and listen to the radio. One year ago, Yeun developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision. Over time, it has become more difficult for him to read and write. 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 Yeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help raising $253 to fund his procedure and care. Yeun shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better, go outside, read books and join ceremonies at our local pagoda."