Five-month-old Anderson is an only child who loves to play with his toy cars and listen to stories from his family. Anderson's mother takes care of their home and works on a farm. His grandparents also help support their family by working in the fields. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), shares that Anderson is malnourished. "He is suffering from malnutrition due to the fact that his mother cannot provide sufficient breast milk" shares WK. "He has had diarrhea for the past eight days and his mother worries that without assistance, his illness will worsen and he will continue to lose weight." "Anderson is at risk of dehydration and starvation," WK adds. "Without intervention he will not consume sufficient calories to survive his first months of life and will suffer from long term effects, including weak immune system and an inability to develop fully both physically and mentally." $1,220 will fund treatment for Anderson's malnutrition and engage his mother in an educational program to keep him healthy in the future. WK adds, "Anderson’s immune system will strengthen and he will grow up to be a healthy energetic baby." His mother says, "I am so grateful for the support you have offered me. Without you there is no way my baby would be able to get ahead in life.”

Meet Jennifer, a 49-year-old woman from Kenya. She is a single mother of 5 children, and works a variety of small casual jobs to support her family. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares that Jennifer has uterine fibroids. She has been experiencing lower abdominal pain for six months. “If not operated,” AMHF adds, “the bleeding may lead to anemia while the growing fibroids may affect surrounding body organs." AMHF recommends that Jennifer receives a total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), which is the removal of her uterus. With $790, Jennifer can undergo the TAH procedure, stay in the hospital for 12 days, and receive the necessary medication during her recovery. Jennifer is eager to get back to work. According to AMHF, “this condition has affected Jennifer’s social life and made it difficult for her to continue doing the small casual jobs which earn her daily bread.” Jennifer is concerned that her children are worried about her. “I hope I will get help from the donors,” Jennifer shares, “and have a successful surgery so that I can regain my strength.” After the surgery, she plans to start selling second hand clothing.

Sareth is a 58-year-old husband and father from Cambodia. He and his wife work hard to support their daughter and two grandchildren. When he is not working, he enjoys listening to classical music and exercising. A year ago, Sareth developed cataracts in both of his eyes. Cataracts cause the clear lenses of the eyes become cloudy, preventing light from entering the eye. The cataracts in Sareth’s eyes have progressed to the point of causing partial blindness. With a limited vision, he can no longer work or walk around. The cataracts have also taken a toll on him emotionally. "I have felt so bored, so sad and worried about my eye," Sareth says. If he does not receive treatment, Sareth will be left completely blind. Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), can fix Sareth's vision with cataract surgery. During the surgery, the cloudy lenses will be replaced with new, clear lenses. "Sareth will be able to see clearly again and regain his independence,” says CSC. $225 will fund Sareth's operation and a two-day hospital stay, which includes all meals and post-operative medication. "I want to see everything clear and help my family,” says Sareth.