Veasna is a 15 year-old high school student. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and three siblings. His mom has a job in a clothing factory just outside of the city, and his father works as a security guard. Prior to his accident, Veasna enjoyed playing volleyball and soccer with his friends. In March 2023, he got in a motorbike accident and broke his left arm. He sought treatment from a traditional healer near his house, but is unable to use his arm and hand due to paralysis. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to use his hand and has stopped attending school. Veasna traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On September 14th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will be able to use his arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. He shared, "I hope I can fix my arm so I can go to school and get a job to help my family."

Francis is a small-scale farmer. He is a married man with five children, all of whom are currently attending school. His wife, like him, is engaged in small-scale farming, yielding produce primarily for their own consumption with a limited surplus available for sale. For eight years, Francis has had a left inguinal hernia. This condition has significantly restricted his movements and has also diminished his work performance. Presently, he leads a modest lifestyle, working hard to provide school fees for his children who are attending both primary and secondary school. If left untreated, his symptoms could persist and eventually lead to strangulation, which is a serious condition that could be fatal. Francis has never sought medical treatment or assessment at a hospital before, primarily due to financial constraints. Fortunately, on August 8th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Francis's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Francis says, "I will be grateful when my surgery is done with your support, as I have no alternative means to pay for such surgery myself."

Sok Him is a 25 year-old garment factory worker, living in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, with her husband and five year old son. Sok Him's husband supports the family by working as a delivery driver. Until recently, Sok Him had been a homemaker. However, she has decided to return to work, as her son is about to enter kindergarten. Sok Him was born with polydactyly of her left hand, which means that she has an extra thumb on that hand. This condition makes it difficult for her to use her left hand at work. On July 3rd, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $299 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Sok Him will feel more comfortable, and she will be able to use her hand more easily, especially as she returns to work. Sok Him shared: "I hope I can have surgery so that I can do my work more easily."

Nwe is a 44-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her husband, and they both work as migrant school teachers. During her free time, Nwe enjoys watching movies on her phone. Nwe was diagnosed with a heart condition that requires valve replacement. Valves control the flow of blood between the chambers of the heart, but certain conditions may narrow the heart valve or cause the blood to flow backwards. Normal valve function is necessary to prevent long term damage to the heart and lungs. Nwe experiences rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. This prevents her from engaging in physical activities. Nwe is scheduled to undergo a valve replacement surgery on December 13th. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is requesting $1,500 to fund her procedure and care. Once completed, Nwe will be able to live more comfortably. Nwe said, "I can’t sleep at night because I am worried about paying for my surgery because I don't have enough money. I feel very sad because I cannot help my husband with the household chores, and I can’t teach my students since my condition has worsened. However, I'm very happy and I feel relieved now. I would love to say thank you to BCMF and donors for giving me a chance to recover."

Timothy is a sweet 4-month-old baby who is the last born in a family of four children being raised by two caring parents. The father works as an ICT specialist, and the mother is a banker. Their jobs enable them to provide for their family but with three children in school, they need to spend a significant amount of money to cover school fees and other school expenses. Timothy was born with a congenital condition where his leg was twisted inward and downward. The parents were advised on the best treatment plan for their son’s condition at the center where Timothy was born. He started treatment for clubfoot with a series of castings and then had a tenotomy. After the procedure, they faced an unexpected hurdle. The hospital could not provide the Foot Abduction Brace (FAB) to Timothy. As this equipment was crucial in his treatment process, they were directed to our center for further assistance. Upon arrival at our center and a sit-down with our team, our clubfoot specialist realized that Timothy’s foot still required casting. This news was troubling to the parents, as they had spent two months in treatment with the hope that they were about to finish treatment. After spending so much money on their first attempt at treatment. The parents have exhausted their savings. They are asking for help to cover their son’s treatment. Timothy's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre where surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on May 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Timothy's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk with ease once as he grows and can live a full life ahead. Timothy’s mother says, "We still have hope that our son will be fine; we just have to get through with the treatment."

Enzo is a four-month-old baby in Haiti. He lives with his mother, father and older brother. Enzo has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid--the fluid which surrounds the brain--accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. This accumulation of fluid has caused Enzo's head to expand beyond a healthy range. Without treatment, Enzo will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, can help Enzo. The surgeons plan to use an endoscope to drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure on Enzo's brain. This critical treatment will greatly improve Enzo's quality of life. Surgery is scheduled for November 9 at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only site in Haiti where this care is available. With proper treatment, Enzo will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Project Medishare is requesting $897 to cover the cost of surgery for Enzo. The family is hoping that this surgery with allow Enzo to live a healthy life.

Alisa is two weeks old and the firstborn in her family. She lives with her parents- who are overjoyed to welcome her into the world- in Tanzania, where her father works at Asante Rabi Express, while her mother sells harvested crops at a local shop. Alisa's mother noticed that her left leg appeared different from her right leg. Concerned about this, she sought advice from the doctor at the hospital. The doctor diagnosed Alisa with clubfoot, a very treatable condition. Alisa’s treatment involves a series of casts that will be changed every few weeks. The casts are designed to gradually shift her foot into the correct position. After the casting, she is going to have tenotomy surgery on her left foot, a minor procedure that will release the Achilles tendon. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $935 to fund Alisa's clubfoot repair surgery, which is scheduled for April 21st at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. As a result of her treatment, Alisa will be able to wear shoes and walk without feeling any discomfort. Alisa’s mother said: “The warm welcome made us feel safe and gave us hope that our daughter will be okay.”

Mary, who is 49 years old, lives with her husband and three children in a rural village in Kiambu County, Kenya. Mary hawks shoes for a living, while her husband, who is in poor health, is unable to work. About a month ago Mary came to the outpatient clinic because of a persistent, obstructive cough. Not long after, Mary began to experience troubling symptoms, including body weakness, coughing, and sweating. She also detected a swelling in her neck. She was diagnosed with an enlarged thyroid gland; surgical intervention is required to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Mary receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on April 4th at Nazareth Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland in a procedure that will cost $657. Mary and her family need your help to raise this money. Mary said, “My family is looking upon me for its sustainability, and yet I have no money to have this surgery. I kindly request for sponsorship so that at least I can be well to care for my sick husband and my children."

Htet is a 38-year-old mother of four from Burma. She works as a street vendor, selling vegetables while her husband is currently unemployed. Her eldest daughter works as a money changer. Her other children attend school. During her free time, Htet enjoys visiting with her neighbors. Since November 2022, Htet has been experiencing frequent abdominal pain that has progressively worsened over time. She has been diagnosed with a gallstone. Unfortunately, medications only help relieve her pain temporarily. Htet has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Htet's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Htet is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on September 19. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Htet's procedure and care. Htet said: "It is impossible for me to pay for the surgery. I was so delighted when I met you and knew that you would help me get surgery. I would like to say thank you so much for your great support."