Bavuriki is a mother of two children who developed a small swelling on her throat almost 10 years ago. Her swelling kept on increasing gradually in size until two years ago when it became big and painful. Unfortunately, she has never had any medical attention and the pain has increased to the extent that she can no longer carry a five-litre jerrycan on her head and she feels a headache whenever she comes from the farm. Bavuriki decided to visit Watsi's Medical Partner Care Center Rushoroza Hospital to seek medical advice. If not treated to remove her thyroid, doctors told her she may develop thyrotoxicosis, difficulty in swallowing, or airway obstruction. Bavuriki and her husband are small-scale farmers who grow beans and potatoes for home consumption. They have only two daughters, one is 27 years old and got married after completing her primary school teaching certificate. Their second daughter is 23 years old and is being taken care of by the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, with a hope of joining them as soon as possible. They shared that she could have already joined the Sisters, but the COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays. Their family owns a three-room semi-permanent house on their ancestral land. Bavuriki said, “After the surgery, I would be able to comfortably continue with my farming and be able to take care of my family.”

Rathana is a fourteen-year-old boy who enjoys studying math, and hopes to work in international technology when he grows up. He has one younger sister, and his favorite activities include reading books, exercising with his mother, spending time with his friends, and watching movies. Rathana was born with congenital scoliosis, and is unable to walk for long periods of time, has difficulty breathing, and cannot sleep well. For the past two months, Rathana has been in a halo gravity traction to assist in lengthening his spine prior to his surgery. Surgery will place a growing rod in his spine to straighten out Rathana's spine and achieve maximum correction of his spinal curvature. He will be able to walk, sleep, and breathe easily again. He looks forward to returning to his studies and reuniting with his friends. His mother shared, "I hope that my son's operation will go well and he will be able to do things independently again, and I will no longer have to worry about him and can return to my work."

Kabare is a farmer from Uganda. Kabare is married and a father to three children. He has two girls and one boy, all are married and are also small-scale farmers. He earns a living from his small banana and coffee plantation but at a one time he also grew small gardens of beans, maize and millet for home consumption. But he no longer does this because of pain which he experiences while cultivating. Three years ago, Kabare developed a right inguinal hernia. His hernia causes him weakness and pain and prevents him from working. Fortunately, on July 21st, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $230 to fund Kabare's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Kabare says, “Once my surgery is done, I hope to recover from this condition and resume with farming to provide for my family.”