Faith is a 33-year-old mother of two from Kenya. She is a hard worker, washing clothes for neighbors, and her husband is a small-scale farmer. Seven years ago, Faith began to experience troubling symptoms, including swelling on her neck. This swelling has progressively grown. Faith has sought help at the hospital in the past, has received prescriptions, and has had two ultrasound scans. Recently, Faith was advised to come to our medical partner's care center where her condition was reviewed by a surgeon. She was diagnosed with a nodular goiter--an enlarged thyroid gland with an irregular growth of thyroid cells that form a lump. If not treated, the goiter may continue to grow, leading to other complications. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Faith receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of her thyroid gland, on November 23rd at our medical partner's care center. This procedure will cost $657, and she and her family need help raising money. Faith says, “I am tired of going to hospital, yet my neck continues swelling, even affecting my self-esteem. It isn't as easy to be happy with friends as I used to be. Kindly help me so that I can be well again and regain my normal life.”

Ezrah is a part-time teacher from Uganda and a father of five. He and his wife have two daughters and three sons, all studying in school. Ezrah loves fine art and is a fine art teacher at a secondary school. His wife practices farming and grows crops primarily for their home’s consumption because of limited land. Ezrah has been experiencing painful and worrisome symptoms for the past ten years. It has become uncomfortable for him to sit, attend classes, and teach. Fortunately, Ezrah was able to travel to our medical partner’s care center to receive treatment. On May 23rd, surgeons will perform mass removal surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $137 to fund this procedure. Ezrah shared: “I hope to get well over time once I am operated on and continue my job in good health.”

Oeng is a 73-year-old grandfather and retired fisherman from Pursat province, Cambodia. He is married and has one son, four daughters, and two grandchildren. He and his wife live with his oldest son, a fish seller at a local market. At home, he likes to listen to the news on his phone and play with his grandchildren. About four years ago, Oeng developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He finds it difficult to take walks outside so often stays alone in the house. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. When Oeng learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for 6.5 hours seeking treatment. On August 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Oeng is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to raise the remaining $253 to fully fund the procedure. Oeng shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I want to grow some vegetables around my house for our meals and take walks outside again with my wife."