Sarafina is a small scale farmer and a mother of six, with five living children. She shared with us that she attended school up to the first grade when she was young and since has farmed, while her husband is a retired soldier. They own a three-room semi-permanent house for shelter. Their oldest child is now 45 years old and dropped out of school due to mental illness while their youngest recently got married. Sarafina receives a little support from her children and relies on her farm produce to meet her daily needs. For two years, Sarafina has been experiencing lower abdominal pains along with itchy arms. She used herbal medication for the itching but she never got relief. She visited Rugarama Hospital and the scan showed uterine fibroids. Sarafina has stopped farming because she can no longer bend down, and has had to miss some follow-up appointments due to limited funds. Her symptoms have worsened and she has been diagnosed with large uterine leiomyoma. An exam revealed a cervical mass highly suspicious of cervical cancer. If not treated, Sarafina could develop chronic pelvic pain and there is a risk of cancer spreading, poor quality of life due to chronic pain and organ failure. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus, but her family cannot afford the surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $319 to fund Sarafina's surgery. On September 4th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once recovered, Sarafina will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Sarafina says, “I pray that I may be considered for treatment because I am in severe pain and my condition could get worse. I hope to be normal again so that I may get back to farming and taking care of my family.”

Nakry is a 72-year-old grandmother to twelve. Nakry lives with her eldest daughter who runs a laundry business at home. In her free time she enjoys watching the news and listening to the monks pray. Two years ago, Nakry developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, photophobia, and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Nakry learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there seeking treatment. On August 24th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Nakry said, "I hope I can see clearly again so I can take care of my grandchildren well and visit the pagoda by myself."

Heng is a 31-year-old nurse at a government hospital in Cambodia. His wife works as an accountant and together they have a young son who is five-years-old. When Heng himself was five-years-old, he had a severe ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in his ear. Due to the abnormal growth, he experiences ear discharge, pain, and hearing loss. It is difficult for him to hear and communicate with others Fortunately, Heng has now traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On June 28th, he will undergo a procedure to surgically remove the cholesteatoma in his right ear. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $925 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Heng is excited about the prospect of hearing again, "I hope the infection will go away so I can regain hearing and my ear drum will heal."