Joseph is a 53-year-old father who practices small-scale farming with his wife. They own a 3-room mud house for shelter. Their firstborn is 30 years old and got married after primary school class seven, while their youngest is 4 years old and in baby junior class. For two years, Joseph has had a hydrocele, or swelling in his groin area. The area of swelling has progressively increased in size. He first thought it was a temporary condition and did not bother seeking treatment. However, it has persisted, and he feels severe pain whenever he is working, making him less productive. Joseph sought treatment and surgery was recommended by his medical team. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. Joseph is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery on August 18th. AMH is requesting $170 to fund the surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Joseph shared, “After treatment, I will continue with farming to be able to meet my family’s cost of living.”

Sary is a 71-year-old grandmother. She is widowed and has five sons and nine grandchildren. Since her husband passed away, Sary moved in with her second-oldest son, who works as a security guard. She spends most of her day cooking and looking after the younger grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys going to the pagoda and listening to the monks pray on the radio. About six months ago, Sary developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. 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 Sary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope I can go to the pagoda by myself and take care of things at the house more easily once I am healed."

Jedrick is a 4-year-old boy. He is known for his determination. He is the second child in a family with two children and his mother dreams of him becoming a doctor. For two years, Jedrick has had a hydrocele, which is a swelling due to the accumulation of fluids around a testicle. He experiences pain and his mother is deeply concerned about his future, but had not sought medical treatment for his condition until now due to the family's financial constraints. Jedrick's mother is a farmer and his father works in the boda boda (bicycle and motorcycle taxi) business. They are unable to afford the necessary surgery to allow their son to be free of this pain. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), can help Jedrick. On October 24, Jedrick will undergo hydrocele repair surgery. AMHF is requesting $146 to fund Jedrick's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Jedrick to live more comfortably and confidently. Jedrick's mother says, “I hope he will get healed, and continue studying in good health.”