Dinavence is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She studied up to the second grade, but had to drop out of school due to a lack of school fees when her mother died and her aunt was unable to support her. Now, she practices farming together with her husband. She is a mother of five children who also were not able to go beyond primary school with their education. For five years, Dinavence has been experiencing severe lower abdominal pains. She has been diagnosed with chronic pelvic inflammatory disease with endometriosis. She visited Rushoroza Hospital and surgery was recommended but she cannot afford it. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $319 to fund Dinavence's surgery. On November 15th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Rushoroza Hospital. Once recovered, Dinavence will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Dinavence says, “I pray that I may get well through surgery because I can no longer take good care of myself and my family in my current medical condition. I pray for a successful surgery. After my healing, I will continue with farming.”

Phoeun is a loving grandmother and retired rice farmer. Sadly, her husband passed away three years ago. Since then, Phoeun has been living with her oldest daughter in Kandal province, and helps care for her grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with family and volunterring at her local temple. Around four years ago, Phoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness 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. When Phoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On November 20th, 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 again and reclaim more independence in life. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope I can see faces more clearly and feel comfortable going to the pagoda by myself."

Veun is a 78-year-old retired rice farmer with eight children and 23 grandchildren. Sadly, her husband passed away ten years ago and Veun now lives alone. Her oldest daughter has been supporting her with income she earns working at a nearby garment factory. Veun enjoys spending time with her family and cooking. Two years ago, Veun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her sensitive to light, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Veun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On June 22nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eye will improve and I will be able to see better. I want to be able to go out more easily and see all of my loved ones. I also want to do some housework and grow some bananas and mint around my house. I dream of being able to join ceremonies in faraway places and seeing the beauty of the world."