Kasotot is a cheerful 68-year-old woman from the arid region of Baringo County in Kenya. She is a widow and mother of seven children who are all grown. She lives with her youngest son and grandson. The main economic activity in the area is livestock herding of cattle, sheep, and goats. It is a challenging life, affected by insecurity, cattle rustling, and a lack of schools and other services. Most people barter with their neighboring communities for food and/or sell their animals in order to get money for food. Kasotot has no knowledge of medical insurance, and lives in a place full of hardships with no opportunity to do any saving. Kasotot suffers from epilepsy and last month she had a seizure that made her fall into the fire and burn her foot. She went to the closest hospital for treatment. Her wound condition worsened with time and when she went back to the hospital it was already infected. The facility was small, and was unable to provide the needed treatment, so she was referred to Kapsowar Hospital. Upon examination, she was admitted for urgent debridement, or deep cleaning of the wound. Kasotot is currently confined to a wheelchair, thus not able to work. Her wound is now clean after a successful wound debridement, but she requires a free tissue flap in order to reconstruct her burned foot and quicken her healing. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Kasotot receive treatment. On November 7th, surgeons will perform surgery so Kasotot will be able to walk, work and provide for herself so as to not overly burden her son and grandson. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,478 procedure. Kasotot says, “I have really burdened my son and grandson now that I cannot walk on my own. It really hurts when all they can do is look after me while I cannot help them as I did before. Kindly help me so that we can be together in order to bring food to our table and strive together to get our basic needs.”

Sarin is a 63-year-old tuk-tuk driver from Cambodia. His wife works at a clothes factory, and they have a daughter. At home, Sarin enjoys watching the news on his phone. About a year ago, Sarin developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him blurry vision and photophobia. It has become difficult for him to see his cellphone map to drive customers to the correct destination, so he can no longer work. He also cannot see things clearly and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places independently. When Sarin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On January 3rd, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly and resume his work. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Sarin said: "After this operation, I hope I will able to drive my tuk-tuk and earn money to support my family again."

25-year-old Loyce is a mother of two, living with her family in Uganda. Loyce works as a casual laborer on local farms, while her husband drives a Boda Boda taxi. Loyce is currently expecting her third child. Her doctors have recommended that she deliver via a Caesarean section, because of the scarring and risks left by her two prior C-sections. Loyce is not able to raise the funds needed for the surgery, but she understands that she is at risk of a uterine rupture. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Loyce undergo a C-section on January 19th, at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. This procedure, which is the best option for protecting the health of both Loyce and her child, will cost $252, and Loyce needs your support to cover the costs involved. Loyce says: “I will be privileged to deliver under your support and thus able to resume with my usual activities.”