N is a 54-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, and they both work as day laborers. Nwet also grows vegetables in her home backyard for household consumption. Nwet has two sons and one daughter who live in nearby villages with their own families. In her free time, Nwet likes doing chores and watching movies. Last April, N began to experience troubling symptoms. Doctors suspect the presence of stones in her urethra and recommend a ureteroscopy to be able to treat her symptoms. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), is requesting $1,500 for this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on February 10th. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully alleviate her symptoms. N expressed her gratitude and said, “I am very thankful to BCMF and the donors who are providing financial support for my surgery. I want to recover as soon as possible after surgery, so that I can return to work as a daily laborer, save money, and repay my debt. Thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and empathy.”

Sokhom is a 71-year-old Khmer bamboo handicrafter from Kampot province, Cambodia. He is married and has three sons, three daughters, and eight grandchildren. He lives with his wife, who works as a rice farmer in their rural community. In his free time, Sokhom enjoys listening to the news and educational programs on his small radio. About a year ago, Sokhom developed a cataract in his right eye due to old age. This caused itching, tearing, and severe blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, making it feel like looking through a frosted or fogged-up window. Because of this, Sokhom has difficulty seeing clearly, including colors and faces, and he worries about falling when walking, so he cannot go places independently. When Sokhom learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled three hours to seek treatment. On February 2nd, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in his right eye; a procedure during which the cataract is removed and a new intraocular lens is permanently inserted in its place. After recovery, he hopes to see clearly again. Sokhom can contribute $12.50 to his care, but needs help to raise $251 more. Sokhom said, “I hope after the surgery, my eye can see well, I can continue my job, and can go far on my own.”

Kedress is a humble, soft‑spoken, respectful, confident, and caring lady in her early 60's. She is of Rwandese descent but a Ugandan by citizenship and marriage. Kedress is a mother of eight children—four sons and four daughters. Her eldest son is a teacher, one is a peasant farmer, and another serves in the army. All her daughters are married and are peasant farmers. Although Kedress never attended school, with the help and training of her children, she has learned to write her name and her native language very well. Kedress lost her husband in 2017, and ever since, she has survived through farming. She grows food crops mainly for home consumption but sells the surplus to generate income for her family. Kedress also owns one or two cows from which she gets milk, mostly for home use. She says she cannot go a day without having a cup of milk. For a year, Kedress has had a left inguinal hernia. The condition causes her pain when she stands, sits, or lifts heavy objects, and it tends to disappear when she lies down to rest. She first visited a nearby hospital, where a scan indicated that she had a hernia. However, due to financial constraints, Kedress did not undergo surgery at that time. When the pain became severe again, she came to Nyakibale Hospital, where she was reviewed and diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia. For complete recovery, Kedress was recommended for a herniorrhaphy. Unfortunately, she is unable to raise the funds needed for the surgery and kindly appeals for your support. Fortunately, on March 17th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Kedress's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Kedress says, “When operated on, I hope that I may regain my health. Otherwise, I am experiencing a lot of pain. Because of finances, I really don’t know what to do. I kindly appeal to you for support.”