Jorgelis is a 10-year-old student from a town in Antioquia, Colombia. She is cheerful and intelligent, with a sweet energy that is contagious and leaves a special impression on everyone around her. Jorgelis dreams of becoming a great doctor when she grows up so she can help others. Since she was a few months old, Jorgelis has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. This condition causes discomfort or tenderness, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. The discomfort can also make it hard for kids to do everyday childhood activities, such as playing and jumping. If left untreated, there is a risk of developing future health complications. Jorgelis needs to undergo surgery to correct the hernia and prevent potential future complications. Fortunately, on May 28th, she will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Once completed, this procedure will allow her to live more comfortably. Our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Jorgelis's surgery. Jorgelis's family shared: "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has made this donation for the surgery possible. This support means the world to our daughter and to us as a family. We trust in God and the doctors that everything will go well and that her recovery will be quick and successful. What we long for most is to see her healthy, happy, and full of life, so that she can continue to grow and fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor and helping many people."

Velonika, a 52-year-old woman from Malawi, is married and has four children. She and her husband engage in farming to support their family. Five years ago, Velonika began to experience small, painless swelling on her neck. Over time, the swelling grew larger without affecting her daily life. In 2022, the swelling became noticeable, prompting her to cover her neck until the end of the year. In 2023, Veronica developed symptoms like frequent coughs and neck heaviness. Despite visiting a traditional healer, her condition worsened. Velonika was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where surgeons noted signs of hyperthyroidism and conducted necessary tests. Her thyroid function tests were normal, and the ultrasound scanning revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right lobe. She was diagnosed with a goiter, the swelling of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in front of the neck, produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Surgery is necessary to address the systems and prevent conditions from worsening. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is providing Velonika with the necessary treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 7th, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,015, and she and her family need help raising money. Velonika shared, "Pains have forced me to come all the way from the village after noting your support. Kindly help me in time since I don't have anyone in town."

Julius is a 63-year-old husband, father, and grandfather from Uganda. He and his wife have together raised eight children, all of whom are now adults with families of their own. Throughout their marriage, the couple has worked hard to provide for their family despite limited resources. Julius is a small-scale farmer who grows crops that help feed the family, and generate a modest income. His wife serves as a church leader, and dedicates much of her time to supporting the community. Twelve years ago, Julius began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent pain on one side of his body, severe pain in his chest and lower abdomen. He has lost his appetite, suffers from recurrent fevers, and has become so weak that even bending to perform simple daily activities is difficult. The worsening symptoms have greatly affected his ability to work on his farm, threatening the family's primary source of income. Julius sought medical attention at Rwibaale Hospital and was diagnosed with an enlarged spleen. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Julius's surgery. On September 1st, he will undergo surgery at Rwibaale Health Center. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Julius says: "I hope to find relief from the pain, so I can resume my duties as a farmer, and take good care of my children."