Boneconcila is a 58-year-old woman from Uganda and a mother to two children. She works hard to provide for her children’s education, sharing that being unable to attend school when she was younger fuels her desire to help her children go through school. Boneconcila practices small-scale farming in rural southwestern Uganda to provide for her family. Six years ago, Boneconcila began to experience troubling symptoms, including anterior neck swelling, shortness of breath, and hoarseness in her voice. She was diagnosed with a goiter and needs to undergo surgery to heal. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Boneconcila receive treatment. On October 11th, she will undergo a thyroidectomy at AMH’s care center. During this procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. AMH is requesting $252 to fund this surgery. Boneconcila shared, “I hope to be treated and regain my normal voice again."

Savoeun is a loving 68-year-old grandmother who lives in Kandal province. She is a widow; sadly her husband passed away many years back during the Khmer Rouge regime. She has two sons, four daughters, and seven grandchildren who keep her busy. Currently, she lives with her oldest daughter who is a vegetable seller. At home, she enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio and joining ceremonies at the pagoda. Two years ago, Savoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her light sensitivity, tearing, and blurry vision. She shared that it feels like she has a milky film in her eye all the time. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Savoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours to seek treatment. On December 1st, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and implant a new lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Savoeun says, "I am really hoping that I will see better and can help my daughter to sell vegetables in front of our house."

Peter is a 5th grade student from Kenya. He is an only child being raised by his single mother, who works as a hotel waitress earning about $70 per month. The family also has a small tea plantation in their ancestral home, but are unable to raise the funds needed for Peter's surgery. Peter has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Peter has been experiencing difficulty in holding things and walking. The condition has affected his appearance, with a change in the color of his eyes. Over time, he has developed urine and stool incontinence. His worried mom decided to seek treatment from several hospitals. Doctors determined that Peter needs a special surgery that will relieve pressure from the skull. Without treatment, Peter will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Peter. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 11th, and will drain the excess fluid from Peter's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Peter will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Peter’s mother says, “Peter has been sickly and has been missing school for almost a year now. This condition is affecting his school life. He needs this treatment to recover and go back to school.”