Maria is a 28-year-old woman from Uganda. Maria has spent years trying to rebuild her life after losing her only child and undergoing two major abdominal operations. Today, she runs a small soft-drinks business to support herself and help care for her sister’s two children. She operates this business out of her own home. However, a painful swelling on her abdomen has begun interfering with the very business she depends on to survive. Maria underwent two abdominal operations, the first four years ago and the last one year ago. But for the past eight months, Maria continues to experience a painful swelling around her navel at the site of her previous abdominal surgery. The pain becomes particularly troublesome when she sits for long periods, laughs, or speaks. She has not received treatment for the swelling, and it has increasingly affected her ability to attend to her customers. At times, the pain becomes so severe that she has to close her business, losing the little income she depends on. On November 3rd, Maria will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. This procedure and care will cost $170, and Maria needs your help. Maria shares, “I have gone through two major operations, and the money I spent on treatment left me with almost nothing. Now I have this painful swelling, and sometimes I have to close my business because I cannot bear the pain. I depend on this small business to survive and to help care for my sister’s children, but I cannot afford another operation. I kindly appeal to the donors to help me receive the surgery I need. Your assistance would give me a chance to recover, return to my business, and continue caring for the children who depend on me. May God bless you for helping people like me who have nowhere else to turn.”

Thea is a 49-year-old food seller from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veaeng Province with his wife, who is also a food seller. They have two children; their eldest works in a footwear factory, and their youngest is in the fourth grade. In his free time, he enjoys chatting with friends in his village. One week ago, Thea sustained a fracture on his left ankle after hitting a stone while riding a motorcycle. The injury caused severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Since then, he has experienced significant difficulty walking and relies on crutches for mobility. The pain and stiffness in his left ankle have limited his ability to work and carry out daily activities independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 11th, Thea will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fracture and allow the ankle to heal properly. It is expected to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more easily and return to his daily activities. Thea can contribute $50, but needs help raising $550 more to fund his procedure and care. Thea stated, “After the surgery, I hope that my pain and stiffness will improve, and that I will be able to walk more easily without relying on crutches. I hope to regain my independence, perform my daily activities comfortably, and improve my quality of life.”

Vichana is a 16-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and younger siblings, who are also students. His father works as an electronics technician, while his mother runs a grocery business. Math is his favorite subject, and he enjoys playing football with his friends. He hopes to become a teacher one day. In November 2024, Vichana fractured his left leg after falling while playing sports. He was treated at a Government Hospital, where doctors placed a metal plate and screws in his left femur to stabilize the fracture and support healing. His fracture has now healed, and he can walk without pain. However, the hardware remains in his left leg and causes ongoing discomfort, making him feel bothered during his daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On September 3rd, Vichana will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will relieve the discomfort caused by the hardware and allow his leg to feel more natural and comfortable as he returns to sports and other activities. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund his procedure and care. Vichana said, “I hope removing the plate and screws will get rid of the discomfort and make my leg feel more comfortable. I look forward to continuing my studies, playing sports, and enjoying my daily activities without feeling bothered by the hardware.”