Polina is a 65-year-old woman from Uganda. She and her husband, Reuben, engage in small-scale farming to support their family. For one year, Polina has been experiencing abdominal pain and other concerning symptoms. Despite being treated at several clinics, the symptoms persisted. This has caused her a lot of discomfort and has prevented her from farming due to the pain. She came to Rwibaale Health Center where an ultrasound found an endometrial cystic mass. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $253 to fund Polina's surgery. On March 1st, she will undergo surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully alleviate her symptoms. Polina says, "I will be able to move better and work after treatment.’’

Win is a 65-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives on a farm with her husband, cultivating their land to grow vegetables. When Win and her husband have the chance, they will go out into the forest and collect leaves used to make roofs on houses and firewood for their home. Around 10 years ago, Win began to experience blurry vision in her left eye. These symptoms have made it increasingly difficult for her to see. Win was diagnosed with retinal detachment, a condition in which the retina pulls away from the supportive tissue in the eye, resulting in vision loss. If left untreated, she could lose vision completely. Win is scheduled to undergo surgery to reattach her retina on March 12th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. After her surgery, Win's vision will hopefully be restored and she can resume her daily activities comfortably. Win shared, “I must move around very slowly, sometimes I trip over things and fall because I cannot see them.”

Romeo is a physically active father from the Philippines. Romeo currently lives with his wife since all their children already have their own families. They rely on Romeo's monthly pension which is just enough for their daily needs. Their children chip in for their expenses too but as a father, Romeo wants them to use the money for their own families instead of giving it to him and his wife. Romeo loves to play chess, jog, and play tennis. However, his symptoms now physically limit him. Last November, Romeo won a consolation prize of a sack of rice at a community raffle. When he lifted it, he felt pain but ignored it thinking about how happy his wife will be upon bringing home the prize. Since then, Romeo has dealt with inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him to feel weak and because of his condition, he cannot do physical activities like he used to. Fortunately, on February 16th, Romeo will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Romeo's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Romeo shared: "My pension will never be enough to pay for a surgery to treat me. So thank you very much for helping me even though I am already old."