Christine is a 44-year-old mother from Uganda. She has two children, both of whom are enrolled in school. Early on in her marriage, her husband passed away. As a widow, Christine relies on subsistence farming to provide food and financial support for her family. To earn extra income, she occasionally works as a casual laborer on other farms. These additional earnings help her afford essential household necessities such as soap, salt, and other daily requirements. Christine finds joy in seeing her children pursue their education, hoping it will open doors to future professional opportunities. Five years ago, Christine began to experience troubling symptoms, notably a swelling at the front of her neck. Although initially painless, the swelling began to cause her discomfort. Over time, Christine began to experience difficulty with swallowing and breathing, shortness of breath, and palpitations after engaging in laborious tasks. Her condition limited her ability to work on her farm and carry out daily responsibilities, significantly affecting her quality of life. Due to financial constraints, Christine initially resorted to local herbs and traditional remedies to manage her condition. However, the interventions provided no relief, and she underwent screening at Nyakibale Hospital. There, Christine was diagnosed with a multinodular goiter, an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in front of your neck and produces hormones that are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Christine requires surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Christine receive treatment. On November 1st, Christine will undergo a thyroidectomy, where surgeons may remove all or a portion of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Christine says, “Having my surgery with your support will be a blessing. Once I am back on my feet, I am sure I will be able to keep up with farming and will continue working at my best to keep my children in school. I can’t do this on my own and kindly appeal to you for support.”

Mab is a 28-year-old car repairman from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who sells fruit at a local market. They do not yet have children and are currently supporting their elderly parents. In his free time, he enjoys chatting with friends in the village. In 2015, Mab was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in a fracture of his left femur. He was treated at a government hospital, where the fracture was managed surgically with intramedullary nailing. During the procedure, metal hardware was inserted to stabilize the bone and promote healing. Although the fracture has healed, he continues to experience intermittent pain, stiffness, and discomfort around the implant site. This affects his mobility, comfort, and ability to perform daily work activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 10th, Mab will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help relieve pain and stiffness, improve comfort, and restore better mobility, allowing him to return more comfortably to his normal daily and working life. Mab can contribute $50, but needs help raising $328 to fund his procedure and care. Mab said, “I hope the surgery to remove the IM nail will relieve my discomfort and allow me to move more freely without pain or stiffness.”

Alejandro is an 11-year-old boy who lives in Colombia with his family. He is a smart, kind, and very friendly boy who enjoys spending time with the people around him. He dreams of becoming a veterinarian when he grows up, as he has a deep love for animals and wishes to help and protect them. His infectious energy, positive attitude, and kindness leave a special impression on everyone who has the chance to meet him. A year ago, Alejandro developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Alejandro has been experiencing pain and discomfort especially when coughing or doing any strenuous activities. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Fortunately, on August 14th, Alejandro will undergo repair surgery at Clínica Noel. Alejandro's family is requesting support to raise $1,005 to fund Alejandro's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live healthier. Alejandro's mother says, "I am very grateful for your support to my son. It is a tremendous blessing for our family. May God bless you abundantly and multiply all the help and love you give to those who need it most."