Gracious is three years old, and the only child in her family. She lives with her parents - her mother and father are small scale farmers, growing maize, beans and whey. Her father also works for Serengeti Balloon Safaris, a job to which he has only recently returned, after the disruptions in the tourist industry caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In September of last year, Gracious was playing with a friend on the verandah of her home. She stumbled over a stool that was sitting next to a charcoal stove, where a pot of beans was cooking. As a result of her fall, Gracious' face, neck and chest were burned by hot steam from the pot of beans. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated, and sent home. However, as a result of the scarring from the burns, Gracious has developed contractures on her neck, making her unable to move her neck around, and causing her discomfort. Gracious will need surgery to release these burn contractures. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Gracious to access the care that she needs. On October 11th, she will undergo a procedure at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, that will enable her to move her neck more freely, and without pain. Now, her family needs your help to fund this $639 operation. Gracious’ mother says: "I hope my child recovers fully and lives a normal life.”

Man is a 41-year-old woman with one daughter, one son, and an adorable grandchild. Man's husband works as a laborer and, since her vision declined, Man stays home to care for her grandchild. Two years ago, Man developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Consequently, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go places on her own. When Man learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 28th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to help fund this procedure. Man shared, "After surgery, I hope my eye will feel comfortable enough that I can help my daughter care for her child and go outside by myself."

Ron is a 67-year-old retired rice farmer. She is married and has two daughters, three sons, and seven grandchildren. She enjoys listening to monks pray on the radio and going to the pagoda. A year ago, Ron developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her to experience itchiness, light sensitivity, eye tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Ron learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On July 12th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Ron says, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I want to easily go outside and visit the pagoda by myself."