Residing in Kampong Thom province alongside her parents, two brothers, and two sisters, Sine's family earns their livelihood from the nearby rice paddies. Sine's favorite food is Khmer noodle soup, and she finds she loves Cambodian Studies. During her free time, she engages in reading and enjoys playing with her siblings. When she grows up, she wants to attend a prestigious university and ultimately pursue a career as a doctor. Sine was born with a hairy nevus - a type of birthmark characterized by a darkly pigmented, often raised patch of skin covered with hair. These birthmarks can vary significantly in size and appearance, ranging from small and barely noticeable to larger and more prominent. Hairy nevi are present at birth and are caused by an overgrowth of pigment cells in the skin. While most hairy nevi are harmless, larger ones may carry a slightly increased risk of developing into skin cancer, particularly melanoma. As Sine has gotten older, her insecurities around her birthmark have led to her missing a lot of school. In the pursuit of a solution, Sine and her mother traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the care center of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. The doctors at CSC devised a treatment plan for Sine. On November 15th, 2023, Sine is scheduled for a partial removal of the nevus, with a follow-up in six months for additional planning and removal. Skilled surgeons at CSC will conduct the initial operation, employing skin grafting from her scalp to excise part of the nevus. This intervention aims to restore Sine's confidence, enabling her to resume regular school attendance, and to minimize her future health risks. CSC is requesting $726 to help fund the cost of this transformative procedure for Sine. Her mother shared, "I hope she can feel better and will want to play with her friends."

Robert, who is seven years old, is the youngest of three siblings. He and his family live in Kenya, where his father is a farmer, and his mother is a housewife. As Robert grew older, his parents noticed an unusual swelling on his back. The doctors diagnosed Robert with a curvature of the spine and scheduled him for in-situ fusion upper thoracic spine instrumentation surgery on March 20th. This procedure will stop the condition from progressing and enable Robert to walk without pain and discomfort. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,500 to fund Robert's surgery. Robert's mother shared, “I am grateful for what Cure Hospital is doing in partnership with the donors. I am looking forward to a successful surgery and to seeing my son resume a normal life like other children.”

John is a 2-month-old baby from Tanzania. He resides in a modest home with his parents and two siblings. His mother is a devoted stay-at-home mother, while his father works as a carpenter. His father’s income is enough to cover the family’s basic needs. After John's birth, the doctors realized he was born with a congenital condition and advised his mother to seek specialized care. His right foot was twisted inward and downward. They started him on casting at the hospital for three weeks, hoping it might help him heal. However, it became apparent that his condition was more complex and would require surgical intervention as the only viable option to give John a chance at a more mobile and fulfilling life. However, the financial burden proved to be overwhelming for John’s family. Living on a modest income, they could not afford the surgical treatment cost. They had to make a hard decision to stop their son’s treatment. Sometime after discontinuing their son’s treatment, John’s mother learned about our medical partner the Plaster House and the services it provides. Fueled by love and hope for her son, she sought assistance from the center. John underwent a comprehensive wellness assessment; however, the family cannot raise money for his treatment and is appealing for financial assistance. John has clubfoot on his right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. The Plaster House team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 19. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund John's clubfoot repair. After treatment and as he grows he will be able to walk comfortably, wear shoes, enjoy playtime with his peers, and reassure his parents that their son is free from disability. John’s mother says: “I hope my son’s treatment will be smooth and he will turn out okay after his treatment.”

Ed is a 39-year-old father from Burma who lives with his wife and two sons. His sons are students, while his wife is a homemaker and volunteer at their church. In his spare time, Ed loves listening to gospel songs, reading the Bible, and preparing sermons for his congregation. In March 2023, Ed began passing blood in his urine and experiencing back pain in his left side. When medication from a pharmacy did not help, he sought treatment at a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a left ureter stone. Doctors want Ed to undergo Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), a procedure where high energy shock waves are passed through the body and used to break stones into pieces as small as grains of sand. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), can help. On August 11th, Ed will undergo ESWL at BCMF's care center. BCMF is requesting $1,125 to fund the treatment and Ed's care. Ed said, "Because of my condition, I have not gone to church for two weeks. The church members are worried about me and pray for me".

Wilson is a charming 2-year-old toddler from Kenya. He was born with bilateral clubfoot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. Without treatment, Wilson can experience difficulty walking or wearing shoes. When Wilson was born, the hospital referred Wilson's family to our medical partner's care center. He started casting treatment when he was a month old but did not respond to treatment. On July 10th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery that will allow Wilson to walk easily as he grows. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $1,286 to fund this surgery. Wilson's father shared, "Any support to help my son walk with his feet is highly appreciated."

Ko Thaw, who is 27 years old, lives with his extended family in Burma. In early June 2022, Ko Thaw- who was working in a factory in Malaysia- developed a headache. Later that day, he also experienced chest pain, a racing heart, and an episode of vomiting. His employer brought him to the hospital, and after some testing, Ko Thaw was informed there was a problem with his aortic valve. He was given medications and a follow-up appointment. In January 2023, Ko Thaw's health deteriorated, and he was brought back to the hospital. An echocardiogram showed aortic valve regurgitation, and Ko Thaw was told that he would need surgery. His employer wouldn't pay for the surgery, and as Ko Thaw couldn't afford to pay for this on his own, he tried to manage his condition with medication. But when the medications stopped working, Ko Thaw decided to move back to Burma. Ko Thaw was referred to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. With their help, he is now scheduled to undergo mitral valve replacement surgery on May 14th at Pun Hlaing Hospital. For Ko Thaw, who currently experiences chest pain, insomnia, muscle stiffness, and headaches with fever, this surgery can't happen soon enough. Now he is seeking your help to raise $1,500 to cover the cost of his treatment. "I hope I can find suitable work soon after my surgery. I would like to say thank you so much. You all do incredible work for poor people who need assistance," said Ko Thaw.

Hamith is a ten-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his family in Kandal province where his father is a journalist and his mother is a factory worker. He has one sister and one brother. At school, he is in the fourth grade, where his favorite subjects are Khmer, mathematics, social science, and English. Although he loves academics, Hamith aspires to be a footballer when he grows up. When he was very young, Hamith developed an ear infection. This infection caused his right ear's tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, to perforate. As a result, Hamith experiences frequent ear discharge, pain, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss. He cannot communicate clearly with those around him and struggles to hear his teacher in class. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is seeking $487 to fund a myringoplasty for Hamith, which will repair the perforation in his eardrum. The procedure is scheduled for April 25th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Once he has recovered, Hamith's life will no longer be disrupted by the unpleasant symptoms he has been living with. Hamith's mother said: "We hope that after surgery, Hamith will be healthy, his hearing will be better, and he can return to school."

Claudy is an 11 month old child from Haiti. He is the youngest child in his family. He lives with his mother, father, brother and sister and is very playful. Claudy has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Claudy has been experiencing Increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Claudy will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Claudy at Hospital Bernard Mevs that will treat his hydrocephalus. This is the only site in the country where this care is currently available and the procedure is scheduled to take place on July 4th. This critical treatment will drain the excess fluid from Claudy's brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Claudy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. The family is hoping that the surgery will allow him to grow and enjoy a healthy life without further challenges.

Kelvin is a student from Kenya and the eldest of 4 children. He is a student at Kitui School for the mentally challenged. His mother told us that he likes listening to music, playing football and operating a phone. Our partners in AIC Cure International met him at their Matuu clinic accompanied by his mother Petronilla who works as a peasant farmer. Kelvin has clubfoot of his right foot, a condition that was noted by the mother when he was 1 year old. His foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and wearing shoes. This condition formed because he used to convulse. He started medication and experienced delayed milestones. At the age of 3, Kelvin began to exhibit an unusual walking style and was diagnosed with hemiplegia, a type of unilateral cerebral palsy that causes paralysis on only one side of the body. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. AMH is requesting $1,286 to fund Kelvin's clubfoot repair. The treatment will be impactful to him because he will be able to walk without falling and play football with his friends. Kelvin’s mother shared, “I would love to see my son’s condition corrected so he can be independent. I will appreciate any support from AMH, and God bless you.”

Nol is a 54-year-old man from Cambodia. He and his wife have two sons. His younger son still lives at home and helps Nol and his wife farm and sell corn from their street cart. In his free time, Nol is a fan of watching Cambodian and Thai boxing on TV. In early March, Nol was going for a run when he fell and broke his leg. Now, it is difficult for him to walk, and he experiences chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On April 3rd, Nol will undergo a fracture repair procedure to help him walk easily again. CSC is requesting $483 to fund this procedure. Nol contributed $100 to his care. Nol shared his hope that, after surgery, his leg will fully heal so he can work, walk, and, hopefully, be able to run again.

Nwe Ni is a 43-year-old woman who lives with her mother, her two sisters, and her older brother in Karen State, Burma. Nwe Ni used to work as a homemaker, but stopped once the goiter in her neck became enlarged. Her discomfort began in November 2019, when Nwe Ni started to experience neck stiffness and swelling. Currently, she also has trouble with insomnia, leaving her tired and prompting her to rest during the day. At the same time, she has lost her appetite and, with her neck swollen, at times it feels constricted. In February 2023, Nwe Ni was referred to the Mae Sot General Hospital for further investigation. The doctor there diagnosed her with a multinodular goiter and told her that she would require surgery. Nwe Ni’s mother told the doctor that they could not cover the cost of surgery, and they were referred to Burma Children Medical Fund, which is seeking $1,500 to fund Nwe Ni's thyroidectomy, which is scheduled for March 8th, at Mae Sot General Hospital. She and her family are looking to you to help cover the costs of her life-changing procedure. Nwe Ni said: “I am so delighted when I heard that I could have this mass removed. It feels so heavy, and I am not comfortable living like this. I would like to say thank you so much [to the donors] and you will always be in my prayers for your assistance.”