Pauline is a 65-year-old small-scale farmer and mother of eight, living in Uganda. In addition to farming, Pauline raises cows so that she can sell milk to earn additional money for her family. For the past eight months Pauline has had a swelling on her back. The swelling causes her pain, and has continued to increase in size. Pauline sought medical attention, and it was recommended that she have the mass excised. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Pauline to access the care that she needs. On December 21st, surgeons at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale will remove the mass on Pauline's back. Now she needs your support to raise the $137 to fund this procedure. Pauline says: "I believe that I will get better once this swelling is removed. I appeal for your financial support to undergo this surgery."

Anthonie is a student from Haiti. He lives with his aunt and uncle and their family in a small town in northern Haiti. He enjoys going to school and church. Anthonie has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several related defects including a hole between two chambers of the heart, and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. These prevent blood from flowing normally through his body, leaving him weak and short of breath. The care Anthonie needs is not available in Haiti so he needs to travel for surgery. He will fly to the Cayman Islands and on January 9th will undergo cardiac surgery. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole to close it, and remove the muscular blockage in his heart. Another organization, Have a Heart Cayman, is also contributing $16,000 to pay for his treatment. Anthonie's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep, travel, and follow-up care. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also pays for obtaining his passport, and for the social worker from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Anthonie's family overseas. Anthonie's aunt says, "Anthonie has been very sick for a long time, we are all praying that this is the miracle that will make him better!"

53-year-old Leo is a member of the Muhororo tribe in Uganda. He is a father of five and is a fisherman by trade. However, he was arrested for fishing in a restricted area and is currently in prison. For over 20 years, Leo has had a left inguinal scrotal hernia. He experiences piercing pain when walking, and has even lost the ability to urinate at times. Officials at the prison brought Leo in for evaluation, and it was determined that he would need surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $230 to fund Leo's procedure, which is scheduled for March 21st, at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. Once he has recovered, Leo should be able to live more comfortably and confidently. Leo says: “I hope that once I am operated on, I will start urinating well.”