Robert is a confident, straight-to-the-point 60-year-old man from Uganda. He is Mukiga by tribe, residing in a three-roomed, mud and reeds, traditional home in Southwestern Uganda. He and his wife have one child, a son who works as a primary school teacher. Growing up, Robert's hope was to become a doctor. However, challenges such as school fees prevented him from studying extensively. He and his wife farm on a small banana and coffee farm to sustain their livelihood, and he weeds the farm in his free time. For two years ago, Robert has had left inguinal hernia. This condition causes him to experience pain and discomfort when he walks long distances, works in the fields for an extended period, coughs or laughs aloud, or lifts heavy objects. Due to limited finances, Robert had not attempted to seek medical attention before; however, when his symptoms became severe, he visited our medical partner's hospital. Fortunately, on December 28th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at their care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $230 to fund Robert's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Robert said, "I will get well and will be able to resume farming in good health if I get support to undergo my surgery."

Piseth lives with his mother and two siblings in Kampong Cham province. He shared that his father is not in his life. Both his younger brother and sister work in construction. Before his tragic accident, he was also employed in construction and enjoyed playing football with his friends. In April 2023, he was involved in a high-speed motorbike collision, fracturing his right clavicle, right forearm, right femur, and right kneecap. He sought treatment at a local hospital, but after six months, he was unable to use his arm and hand due to paralysis and was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre at Kien Khleang. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to work and grapples with the challenges of this devastating injury, rendering him unable to use his arm or hand. The impact of this physical limitation has taken a toll on his emotional well-being, resulting in a significant state of depression. Piseth traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On February 2nd, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he hopes to be able to use his arm and hand again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund his procedure. Piseth shared: "I hope I can work with my hands again so I can support myself and not only rely on my family."

Kennedy is a teenager from Kenya. He has an older sibling who lives with his parents, and Kennedy lives with his grandparents and some of his cousins. Kennedy's father was a security guard but had to stop working due to a chronic disease that has kept him in and out of the hospital for many years now. As a result, Kennedy's mother is the family's sole provider. She has a small kiosk she uses as a hotel at a local garage. Kennedy's family has national health insurance coverage, but have not been able to get coverage for his needed treatment. Kennedy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Because of this condition, Kennedy has been experiencing severe headaches and convulsions with loss of mobility from the left arm. Kennedy underwent two shunt insertion surgeries, but the shunt failed. He has been admitted to the High Dependency Unit at our medical partner's hospital for a few days now. Kennedy now needs to undergo a different surgery to help drain the excess cerebral spinal fluid in order for him to recover and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Kennedy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Kennedy to treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 16th. Kennedy's grandmother says, "It is very depressing for me as I have to bring him to the hospital every now and then. I want him to be treated and go back to his better condition."