Desire is a six-year-old girl from Uganda. She is the first born child in a family of three children and is currently enrolled in primary school. Both her parents are small-scale farmers on a limited income, barely enough to cover the family's needs. Three years ago, noticed a swelling develop in her umbilical region that grew in size and became painful. Concerned, her mother took her to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital, for treatment. Upon review, Desire was diagnosed with umbilical hernia and surgery was recommended, but her parents are unable to afford the treatment costs. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Desire receive treatment. On April 10th, surgeons at Rushoroza Hospital will perform a hernia repair surgery to relive her of pain and allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Now, Desire's family needs help to fund this $170 procedure. Desire’s mother says, “I hope my daughter will have a successful surgery with positive results. After complete recovery, I believe she will live a more improved and comfortable life. May God bless you.”

Phai is a 60-year-old rice farmer who lives in Kampong Cham with his wife. Their five children and grandchildren live nearby and visit often. In his free time, Phai likes spending time with his grandchildren, studying Buddhism, and watching the local news. Around three months ago, Phai developed a cataract in his right eye, which caused him discomfort, blurred vision, and watery eyes. He has been unable to work for long periods due to vision loss. A cataract clouded the eye's lens, like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places alone. When Phai learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 6th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. He said, "I want to go places alone and not feel afraid. When my vision improves, I can work more and help care for my family."

Vun is a 64 year-old loving grandmother. She lives in Prey Veng province with her husband. Both of them are retired rice farmers and their four children help support them by working in factories. Vun loves spending time with her eleven grandchildren and volunteering at the local temple. About five months ago, Vun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Vun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 4th, 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. She shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better and be able to recognize my grandchildren."