Apofia is a 63-year-old farmer from Uganda. She has six children - three sons and three daughters. She and her husband have a small banana and coffee farm. The couple lives together and enjoys a peaceful and harmonious life, supporting each other in their daily activities. About a year ago, Apofia began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling at the front of her neck. The condition has progressively worsened and causes persistent headaches and difficulty sleeping due to episodes of shortness of breath. Apofia was diagnosed with a right thyroid goiter, which is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Apofia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 2nd at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money. Apofia says, “There are nights I go without sleeping at all because of the discomfort it brings me. I need surgery for a complete recovery; however, with my income, I can’t raise the money needed and kindly appeal for your support.”

Lydia is a 75-year-old woman from the Philippines. She enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious meals as a way to sustain a longer and healthier life for herself. She also enjoys watching television to relax. Above all, she remains grateful for the support of her children and does her best to manage her needs while being mindful of their own responsibilities. A year ago, Lydia began to experience troubling symptoms, including shortness of breath, general weakness, and difficulty swallowing. She was diagnosed with multinodular non-toxic goiter and needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Lydia receive treatment. On September 26th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy, during which surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $935 to cover the cost of Lydia's procedure and care. Lydia said, "I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive free surgery. I hope to recover so I can move more comfortably, care for myself better, and lessen the burden on my children."

Seng is a 16-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and two sisters. His older sister sells clothes, while his younger sister is in Grade 9. He enjoys studying Khmer literature and hopes to work in an IT company when he grows up. During his free time, he enjoys reading books and playing games. In 2024, Seng was involved in a road traffic accident involving a motorbike and a car, which caused a closed fracture of his right ankle. He initially visited a private clinic and was later treated by a traditional practitioner, who applied a splint for two months. A wound developed a few days after the splint was applied and later became infected, requiring medical treatment to clean the wound and remove damaged tissue. After the splint was removed, he could no longer lift the front of his right foot. He has been living with this condition for approximately two years. He needs a tendon and nerve repair procedure to regain strength and mobility. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Seng receive treatment. He is scheduled to undergo the tendon and nerve repair procedure on October 21st. His family can contribute $12.50, but needs help raising $689 more to fund his procedure and care. Seng's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my son walk more easily and continue his studies without difficulty. As his mother, I want to see him move freely and have a brighter future.”