Sokim is a 39-year-old rice farmer, who lives with her husband and three children in Cambodia. Her husband also works as a rice farmer, and their three children are in school. On September 28th, Sokim was washing the family's motorcycle when she slipped and fell, injuring her left leg. At a clinic X-rays were performed, which showed that she had a previously undiagnosed tumor on her left femur. Since then, she has been in constant pain and cannot walk. Because she was not able to afford any treatment, she was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, where a biopsy showed a chondrosarcoma of the distal femur. This is a common type of bone cancer that originates in cartilage cells and primarily affects adults. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. The doctors at the clinic referred Sokim to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, for further treatment. After additional evaluation, Sokim has been scheduled to undergo surgery on October 19th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Center, during which the tumor will be removed and her femur repaired. Now, Sokim and her family are seeking $726 to fund Sokim's surgery and care. Sokim hopes that she will be able to walk without pain and continue with her rice farming after she has recovered.

Phoeun is a mother of two from Cambodia. She is a retired rice farmer who has two married daughters. She lives with her grandchildren and her husband who is a retired teacher. At her age, she no longer works in the rice field; she likes to stay at home and look after her grandchildren, who enjoy eating her traditional Khmer food One year ago, Phoeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her to have halos around lights at night, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare. When Phoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On February 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification 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 $229 procedure. "I hope after surgery, I can go outside again. I can help my children take care of my grandchildren and help around the house as before."

Kesafari is a woman from Uganda. She has seven children. She is a farmer, and her husband is a businessman who sells clothes. Kesafari has been diagnosed with a prolapsed uterus. This is causing her uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. If she is not treated, the condition may lead to complications. Fortunately, Kesafari is scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure to remove her uterus, on February 5. She needs help raising $231 to fund this procedure. Kesafari says, “I will give thanks to God when am relieved of this and to always pray for my donors to this surgery.”

Maria, a 42-year-old woman from Guatemala, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She started to feel a mass in her breast a few months ago, right around when she started to lose a significant amount of weight. She has been feeling weak lately, making her both physically and emotionally fatigued. She says that he hardest part for her has been the pain in her chest and back, which has been making it hard for her to sleep at night. Maria and her husband live with their two kids, Edgar and Juan in a remote indigenous Mayan community in the mountains of Guatemala. Her husband works as a day laborer, harvesting crops only when they is work available--leaving her and her family without a consistent income, living on at most on only a couple dollars per day. Maria stays at home and takes care of her two elementary-school aged children, cooks, and cleans--but lately she has not been able to get out of bed, leaving her family worried and sad. Maria has been feeling depressed about the severity of her condition, but now that she has a treatment plan, she is thrilled and has regained her desire to live. She is excited to receive chemotherapy, interpretation, and transportation. She has been working with our staff to learn as much as she can about her condition, and is looking forward to improving and being able to continue to be there for her family.

Meet Julio, a beloved one-year-old from Guatemala! Julio is currently experiencing acute malnutrition, including severe weight loss that has been difficult to treat. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, adds, “Julio is chronically ill as well, with a very limited appetite and severe diarrhea.” Due to financial status, Wuqu’ Kawoq says Julio’s parents “are finding it impossible to meet his medical and nutritional needs, and they need our help.” Though his parents cannot afford Julio’s treatment, their desire to help their son has no bounds. Julio’s mother explains, “I’ve tried everything, but I don’t have any money, and I don’t know why he won’t grow.” After being referred to our partner through the Guatemalan government, Wuqu’ Kawoq is certain they can help. Julio’s treatment will include “regaining of lost weight, curing of diarrhea, and resumption of cognitive and motor development.” For $535, we can fund this treatment to help Julio grow into a healthy boy! Let’s help Julio get and stay well!