Kheng is a 55-year-old rice farmer from Kompong Speu province. She is married and has three sons, four daughters, and seven grandchildren. Kheng lives with her husband, who is a palm sugar farmer. She likes to spend time with her grandchildren and pray in her local pagoda. Three years ago, Kheng developed a pterygium in both eyes, causing her redness, irritation, and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Kheng visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she learned that she needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for February 13th. Kheng said, "I hope after surgery I will be more comfortable and can go outside more easily."

John is a 79-year-old banana farmer from Uganda. He is a small-scale farmer and, together with his wife, they care for their banana plantation to earn a living for their family. He is a father of nine with three school-aged children. John and his wife are currently living with their youngest son as they repair their mud-made house. For two years, John has had a right inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him severe pain. The swelling appears when he stands for a long period of time. It is even more painful after walking long distances and he has currently stopped farming completely. He needs surgery and is asking for support. Fortunately, on February 15th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $170 to fund John's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. John says, “I pray and hope that I may get well through surgery and be able to live a normal and more productive life once again. I will continue with farming after recovery.”

Gilian is a 32-year-old businesswoman from Uganda. She is married with two children and is currently expecting her third. Gilian completed high school and was passionate about becoming a lawyer, but her academic journey was cut short following her father's death. She operates a small retail business, while her husband operates a bodaboda (motorcycle) business. Due to limited capital, Gilian shared that her business has suffered losses; thus, she is unable to raise the funds needed for her surgery. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children. Gilian is currently expecting her third child. Her doctors recommended that she deliver via a Cesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Gilian undergo a C-Section on February 7th. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this procedure. Gilian said: “I hope to have a successful delivery once given your support because the only worry I had was how I would be able to pay for my delivery."