Paul is an elderly man from Uganda. When he was young, he was denied the opportunity to go to school by his parents because they wanted him to look after their cows, goats, and other domestic animals. He shared how they did not value education. Paul's mother died when he was still young, and his father remarried. Paul left his father’s house to stay with his brother. Paul married but had no children. His brother with whom he was staying died and now Paul lives alone in a single room. He is looked after by well-wishers. He still practices farming, with difficulty. Some sixty years ago, Paul's neck began to swell. Over the years, a large mass has grown in his neck. The mass has been diagnosed as bilateral multinodular thyroiditis--lumps in his thyroid gland. This large mass is painful and causes airway obstruction especially while sleeping. Because Paul can no longer fend for himself, his friend brought him to Rushoroza Hospital where he was advised he needs surgery to prevent his symptoms from getting worse. He is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on November 10th. Surgeons will remove all or part of his thyroid gland, removing the large mass and allowing Paul to breathe with greater ease. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Paul receive treatment. This procedure will cost $333, and he needs help raising money. Paul says, “I pray for a successful surgery. I will keep practicing farming after I am well to be able to feed myself.”

Theavy is a 32-year-old hairstylist. She lives in Kampot province with her older sister. They both work in a nearby hair salon, and they also do make-up for weddings and special events. In her free time, Theavy likes checking her social media and listening to music. In February 2023, Theavy was in a motorbike accident that caused paralysis of her left arm. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. Theavy is unable to lift her arm, and she has not been able to return to work. Theavy traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On September 7th, she will undergo brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, she is expected to be able to use her arm again. Theavy is able to contribute toward her treatment and our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fully fund her procedure. Theavy shared, "I hope I can go back to the salon and help my sister and be independent again."

Sospeter is a toddler from Kenya. He is the youngest in a family of three children. He is being raised by a single mother who is the breadwinner. His mother makes and sells readymade food at construction sites. Income from this venture is inconsistent and their family does not have medical coverage. In December 2022, Sospeter sustained hot water burns on his stomach and thigh. He was taken to the nearest district hospital after the accident, where he was treated for burns and later discharged back home. Burn contractures and a massive keloid have developed on his abdomen. He often itches the area and feels very uncomfortable. His mother has been unable to take him to a hospital due to a lack of funds. In September 2023, a mobile team visited their area; they reviewed him and advised them to visit Kijabe Hospital for review. His mother pooled resources and visited the plastic surgery clinic. Surgery was recommended, but the family is financially constrained and unable to afford the proposed cost of the treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sospeter receive treatment. On October 13th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to relieve him of the itchiness and discomfort associated with the wound; thus, he will be able to live a normal and quality life. Now, their family needs help to fund his procedure and care. Sospeter's mother says, “My child is in pain. Look at the way he cannot stop crying and scratching himself. It hurts to see him this uncomfortable. Please help.”