Robert is a 23-year-old casual labourer from Uganda. Due to financial challenges during his childhood, he was not able to finish school and therefore has limited employment opportunities. His parents are small-scale farmers and do not have the means to help him with his medical needs. About two months ago, Robert began to experience sharp abdominal pain that was so severe that he was rushed to a nearby clinic. He was referred to a larger hospital, where doctors discovered a large abdominal mass. Though doctors recommended surgery, Robert was unable to afford it and was given pain medication. As time has gone on, his condition has continued to deteriorate, and he is no longer able to work, which has forced him to move back in with his parents. Fortunately, one of his uncles decided to travel with Robert to our partner’s medical care centre, Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Physicians recommend a laparotomy, which is a surgery that opens up the abdominal cavity to treat his condition. Robert’s surgery will take place on November 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $242 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully greatly improve his quality of life. Robert shared, “All I request is your support. With it, I will be operated on and will get back on my feet. I have suffered enough pain, and all I ask of you is to save me.”

Srey Neth is a 13-month-old baby girl from Cambodia. She lives in Kandal Province with her grandmother and older brother, who is in Grade 2. Due to financial difficulties, her parents moved to the city to work, with her father working as a grocery seller and her mother working in a garment factory. She enjoys playing with dolls and toys and likes eating sour fish soup and fried pork with vegetables. Srey Neth was born with syndactyly of her left hand. This means that her first, second, third, and fourth fingers of her left hand are fused and share the same nail. The fused fingers limit the normal movement and function of her left hand. This makes it difficult for her to grasp and hold toys, pick up objects, and develop normal hand skills as she grows. The condition may also affect the appearance of her hand and her confidence in the future. Fortunately, on July 21st, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused fingers. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will be able to use her hand more easily for holding toys, grasping objects, and developing normal hand skills as she grows. Srey Neth's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help my daughter use her left hand more normally so she can hold things, play, and grow up like other children.”

Kenawaka is a playful and cheerful 15-month-old boy from Ethiopia, who enjoys spending time with his older sister. He lives with his parents and sister in a rented home. His father works as an accountant to support the family, while his mother is a homemaker. Kenawaka's mother first noticed that something was different when she took Kenawaka to the hospital for circumcision. After examining him, the doctor told them that he would need specialized assessment and treatment, and referred them to a public referral hospital in the capital city. Following the referral, Kenawaka's parents waited another year due to a long surgical wait list. Though they were increasingly anxious, they could not afford care in a private facility so they continued hoping that they would be attended to soon. Recently, the referral hospital informed Kenawaka's parents to bring him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Kenawaka was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Kenawaka is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Kenawaka's father said, “Thank you so much to everyone at BethanyKids. We are truly grateful to all the staff for their kindness and care. Everyone has treated us with so much respect and made us feel comfortable throughout this journey. We are very happy and thankful for the support Kenawaka has received. We love our son so much, and our greatest wish is to see him healthy and happy after his surgery.”