Borey is a 28-year-old father who lives alongside his wife in Takeo province. They recently celebrated the arrival of their daughter, now a delightful 10-month-old. They both work as wait staff in a local restaurant and take turns caring for their daughter. When not working or caring for his precious daughter, Borey likes to play basketball with his friends. On and off for the last 11 years, Borey has had an ear infection. He bought medicine at the local pharmacy, but the infection always returned. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in the right ear to perforate, which has caused hearing loss and tinnitus. His ear pain makes it hard for Borey to sleep at night, and his hearing loss makes it difficult to hear others speak at work. Borey worries he will not hear his daughter if she cries. Borey traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On February 5th, he will undergo a myringoplasty in his right ear. During this operation, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Borey said: "I hope this operation will stop the ear infections and I can hear better than before."

Alfred, who is 69 years old, comes from a small village in Uganda. He had to leave school after only a few years of study, and now he and his wife work as small scale farmers. Alfred has been experiencing intermittent swelling in both his right and left inguinal areas for the past year. He went to different clinics, and was given pain medication, but the swelling has persisted. He shared his concerns with his son, who advised him to come to Rwibaale Health Center for an evaluation. As a result of the doctor's examination, Alfred was diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $234 to fund Alfred's hernia repair surgery, which is scheduled to take place on February 15th, at Rwibaale Health Centre. After he has recovered from this procedure, Alfred should be able to resume his life, free from his current discomfort. Alfred said: "I hope to get back to my fields after recovery.’’

Umaru is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. He farms on his small piece of land, mainly growing food crops for home consumption and selling the surplus to generate income for his family. Umaru came in presenting with an umbilical swelling, which he has had for close to 6 months. The pain and swelling progressed over time, affecting his movement and ability to perform daily activities. Umaru was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia and the doctors recommended for him to have surgery to remove the mass. Umaru traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 5th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Umaru needs help to raise $188 to fund this procedure. Umaru says, "With support, I hope to undergo my surgery, expect to get better, and continue farming in good health to sustain my family."