Houy is a widowed grandmother. She is 63 years old and has three daughters, two sons, and six grandchildren. She used to sell groceries out of her home but retired when her husband retired. Sadly her husband passed away about 4 years ago due to hypertension. She now lives with her oldest daughter in Phnom Penh. At home, she likes to watch the news on TV and exercise with her grandchildren. About six months ago, Houy developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty keeping her balance, especially in low or bright light. 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 Houy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On December 5th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She said: "My hope is that after eye surgery I can see better, do more outside on my own, and help to take care of my grandchildren and myself even more."

Oscar is a 28-year-old married man from a village in Lilongwe District in Malawi. He has a young child who is not yet of school age, and relies on small-scale farming to support the family by growing maize, groundnuts, and keeping livestock. One year ago, Oscar noticed an itch in his throat and a slight hoarseness in his voice, initially thinking he was developing a cough. However, he later discovered a small painful swelling that has been gradually getting larger. He did not seek medical help as he had no funds to pay for treatment until his mother heard about a care program when she visited our medical partner care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Oscar was diagnosed with goiter, and was scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy surgery. The condition has negatively affected his life as the swelling is painful and sometimes, he experiences shortness of breath. Treatment will relieve him of these symptoms, improving the quality of his life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is helping Oscar receive treatment at their care center. On March 7th surgeons will perform thyroid surgery so he can regain his health. Now, he needs help to fund this $491 procedure. Oscar says, “Thank you for this opportunity, I am looking forward to treatment and recovery.”

Rehema is a 33-year-old farmer and mother from Uganda. She has two sons and a daughter. She comes from a family of six siblings. Two of her siblings and her father have passed away. Rehema practices small-scale farming with her husband, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Rehema carried six previous pregnancies. One of her children died after birth due to birth asphyxia, and she also experienced two miscarriages. Rehema is expecting a new baby. Due to medical concerns, her doctors recommend that she deliver via a Caesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Rehema undergo a C-Section on February 13th. This procedure will cost $234, and Rehema is requesting support. Rehema said, ‘I hope to get back to my fields after delivery.”