Fausta is a 64-year-old small-scale farmer from the Rukungiri district in southwestern Uganda. She is a mother to four children, including one son who works as a teacher and three married daughters who are also involved in farming. Fausta completed primary school through seventh grade, although she couldn't proceed further due to financial constraints. She now engages in small-scale farming and primarily grows food crops for her family. She sells any surplus to generate income while her husband works as a brickmaker. Fausta said that she enjoys singing and is a member of her church's choir. Ten years ago, Fausta began to experience swelling in her neck as well as hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath, and paralysis of the neck veins. These symptoms have limited her capacity to carry objects on her head and have affected her ability to work effectively. Fausta was diagnosed with bilateral goiter, a type of thyroid swelling. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Fausta receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on July 11th at AMH's care center. During the procedure, surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and Fausta and her family need help raising money. Fausta says, “I hope for a complete recovery once am operated and I also hope I will continue with farming in good health.”

Jacinta is a 45-year-old woman from Kenya. She is a single mother whose only child recently completed college. Jacinta runs a small retail shop from their home in a rural town, supporting herself, her son, and her elderly mother. In December 2020, Jacinta was accidentally cut on her left leg by an iron sheet. As the wound was small, she opted to treat it with home remedies, but without success. Because the wound worsened, in December 2022, Jacinta visited a local dispensary where they dressed the wound. When there was no noticeable improvement after a month, she decided to go to the hospital to be evaluated. In January 2023, Jacinta underwent two operations. However, the doctors realized that one of the procedures had failed as there was damage to the veins in her leg. Jacinta now finds it difficult to walk. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jacinta receive treatment. On May 8th, surgeons at AIC Kijabe Hospital will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help heal her chronic wound and prevent her leg from needing to be amputated. Now, Jacinta needs your help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Jacinta says: “This wound is getting worse. It is affecting my walking. I have not been able to open my shop because of it. I hope to get treatment so that I am able to also take care of my elderly mother who depends on me.”

Panha is a 7-year-old second grader who lives with his parents on the southern coast of Cambodia. His mother works in a nearby canned food factory, and his dad works in construction. Panha loves creating art, eating Cambodian street food, and learning Cambodian culture and history at school. In July 2022, Panha was playing at home when he accidentally knocked over a boiling pot and sustained burns on the lower part of his body. Burn scar contractures have developed around his hip and groin, making it difficult for him to walk or attend school comfortably. When Panha's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On May 16th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help Panha walk easily and feel comfortable again. CSC is requesting $495 to fund this procedure. Panha's family contributed $100 to his care. Panha's mom said, "I hope Panha feels better after surgery and can focus at school."