Mao is a 52-year-old grandmother from Kompong Chhnang province in Cambodia. She is married and has two sons, four daughters, and nine grandchildren. She earns a living by selling packaged food in her local market and her husband is a police officer. In her free time, she likes to watch the news and check her Facebook. Three years ago, Mao developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness and tearing. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. When Mao learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. on February 9th, Mao will undergo treatment to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. Mao needs help raising the $225 to fund her medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Mao said, "I hope after surgery I can feel better and take care of my grandchildren."

Peter is a young man who lives with his parents and two siblings. Peter loves soccer, and recently graduated from secondary school with hopes of joining the army. Peter's father, a bus driver, is the sole breadwinner for the family of five. In June of 2022, Peter fractured his right leg during a soccer tournament. He received a cast for his injury, but it became apparent that the extent of his injuries are more severe than initially anticipated. Peter's recent x-ray revealed a tibial shaft fracture along the length of the bone between his knee and ankle. Due to his injury, Peter is unable to walk without the help of crutches. As a result, he cannot play soccer, join the army, or work to help support his family. Fortunately, the surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On January 25th, Peter will undergo a procedure to repair to stabilize his leg and repair his fracture, allowing him to heal and walk again without crutches. Now, Peter's family is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Peter says, “I want to serve my country as a soldier. This fracture is dimming my hopes of joining the forces. I can also not play soccer; that is my passion. I need this treatment to be able to use my leg again.”

Merisiano, who is 77 years old, is a passionate woman, rich in amusing tales of the past. She was widowed in 2000, but she has one daughter who is a fruit vendor and two sons who are teachers. She still works on her small coffee and banana farm, although she now only grows enough to feed her family. Merisiano sought the advice of doctors regarding an anterior neck swelling, which she has had for over 20 years. It had never caused her any concern until recently when she began to experience shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and continuous coughing. She was diagnosed with a nontoxic goiter and recommended she undergo surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Merisiano receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on March 21st at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland at a cost of $252. Merisiano and her family need your help to raise the necessary funds to cover the cost of her care. Merisiano says: “I will be grateful to see my health well once again if am given your support to undergo my surgery.”