Se is a 53-year-old police officer from Cambodia. He lives in Takeo province with his wife and teenage son. Se has been working with the police for more than twenty years. In his spare time, he likes spending time with his family, and growing vegetables and herbs in his garden. Nine years ago, Se was diagnosed with diabetes. About two years ago, he noticed a wound on his right foot. He has been diagnosed with a diabetic foot ulcer, an open sore or wound that is common in patients with diabetes and is commonly located on the bottom of the foot. He experiences pain and discomfort, and the wound is infected. When Se learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. Fortunately, CSC can help. On September 11, surgeons at CSC will perform a plantar flap and skin graft procedure to cover the wound and prevent further damage. During the procedure, the surgeon will carefully remove healthy tissue from a nearby area of the foot or from another part of the body. The flap will then be carefully positioned over the damaged on the foot. The surgeon will connect the blood vessels of the flap to those in the recipient area using microsurgical techniques. This allows the flap to receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients for healing. Once the flap is in place and the blood supply is established, the surgical site will be closed with sutures or other closure techniques. Hopefully this will repair the damaged tissue, promote healing, and enable Se to walk comfortably again. Now, he needs help to fund this $673 procedure. He is eager to be healthy and active again. Se shared, "I hope I can walk again without pain."

Abel is a 75-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a sharp man who is advanced in age but is still strong and active. He is the proud father of six children. Of his three sons, two are teachers and one is in the bodaboda business. His daughters are all married and work as farmers. In his evenings, he passes the time grazing his goats and sheep. For the past three years, Abel has experienced left inguinal swelling and has had a left inguinal hernia. The swelling causes sharp pain, especially when lifting heavy objects. He cannot stand or sit for long periods, and the swelling intensifies when he coughs or laughs. Due to limited finances, he has never been to the hospital until recently when the pain became unbearable. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Abel's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Abel says, “I hope I will surely get better after being operated and I am happy that the hospital bill will be settled.”

Sipiriyo is a 43-year-old man who suffers from diabetes. He attended school up to sixth grade, but lacked support for further studies since he was an orphan. Sipiriyo is now married and has four children, ranging in age from 16 to eight years. His wife is a low-income earner who depends on farming. Sipiriyo's right foot was injured a year ago. Because of his diabetes, the wound has not healed, but has gotten worse. He has been hospitalized and the wound has been debrided. This removal of the injured tissue did not improve his condition, and the wound continues to deteriorate. Sipiriyo's doctors now recommend an amputation of his right foot to prevent the symptoms from getting worse. Because of his injury, Sipiriyo cannot work and has no income. He currently is not staying with his family due to the long distance between his village and the hospital. His sister cares for him while he is at the hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $255 to fund Sipiriyo's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Sipiriyo to live more comfortably. After recovering, Sipiriyo is most looking forward to assisting in activities around his home. Sipiriyo says, “After treatment, I will continue with home activities with ease since I will no longer be having much pain.”