Veun is an 82-year-old retired rice farmer from Kandal province in Cambodia. She is married and has seven children–one son and six daughters. Sadly, Veun's husband passed away 14 years ago. Now, she lives with one of her daughters who is also a rice farmer. Veun has 13 grandchildren, who she loves spending time with. Veun said that in her free time, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. For the past two years, Veun has experienced itchiness, tearing, blurry vision, and photophobia in her left eye. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking. After examination, Veun was diagnosed with a cataract in her left eye. When Veun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On June 22nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery on Veun and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Veun shared, "I hope after surgery I can feel comfortable to go out on my own again and enjoy my life more."

Fausta is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from the Rukungiri district in southwestern Uganda. She is a mother to four children, including one son who works as a teacher and three married daughters who are also involved in farming. Fausta completed primary school through seventh grade, although she couldn't proceed further due to financial constraints. She now engages in small-scale farming and primarily grows food crops for her family. She sells any surplus to generate income while her husband works as a brickmaker. Fausta said that she enjoys singing and is a member of her church's choir. Ten years ago, Fausta began to experience swelling in her neck as well as hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath, and paralysis of the neck veins. These symptoms have limited her capacity to carry objects on her head and have affected her ability to work effectively. Fausta was diagnosed with bilateral goiter, a type of thyroid swelling. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Fausta receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 11th at AMH's care center. During the procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and Fausta and her family need help raising money. Fausta says, “I hope for a complete recovery once am operated and I also hope I will continue with farming in good health.”

Corinelio is a tall, humble, patient and determined man. He is married and a father to one son and six daughters. All of his children are in school. Corinelio loved school, but his parents did not have enough money to pay his school fees, so he only managed to complete primary class seven. Corinelio supports his family from small-scale farming with his wife. However, they have limited land, and mostly grow what is needed to feed the family, selling any surplus to generate an income for the family. For three years, Corinelio has suffered with a left inguinal hernia, a condition where abdominal tissue bulges through a weak spot in the groin area. The swelling is more visible when Corinelio stands for a prolonged time, does a strenuous activity like cultivating, or when he coughs or laughs. Fortunately, on September 5th, Corinelio will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Corinelio to live more comfortably and confidently. Corinelio says, “I hope to get healed once I am given your support and expect a full recovery from this pain I’ve had for a long time.”