Srey Chum is a 9-year-old girl from Cambodia. She lives in Phnom Penh with her parents. Her father is a police officer and her mom works in a garment factory, earning just enough money to remain in the capital city, where the best schools are located. Srey Chum's favorite subject is Khmer, and she enjoys playing outdoor games with her friends in the village. Srey Chum was born with a cleft lip and palate. She had surgical repair as a baby, first to repair the lip, and then a second surgery to repair the cleft palate. But there is still a gap in her upper gum, where teeth should be. Without treatment, her permanent teeth will not grow properly, and she will struggle with chewing, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Doctors at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, explained that Srey Chum now needs an alveolar bone graft. This surgery will place bone in the gap of her upper gum, giving her teeth the support they need to come in straight and strong. Her surgery is scheduled for October 8th. Her parents cannot afford the $665 cost of this procedure and post-op care, and need help to pay for her surgery. For Srey Chum, this surgery is the next step toward a healthy smile and a future where she can speak and eat without difficulty. Srey Chum's grandmother said, "I hope she can go back to school soon and feel healthy and happy."

Seth is a three-year-old boy from Kenya who expects to start school next year. However, he is presently in hospital under the care of his aunt who stays by his side, comforting him as he endures pain and repeatedly asks for his mother. Seth’s family was on their way to join their relatives for the holidays when tragedy struck, abruptly cutting their journey short. Their vehicle was involved in a devastating accident that claimed eight lives, including Seth’s mother and sister. Although Seth and his father survived, they sustained significant physical and emotional injuries. They were brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, stabilized, but both still require further surgical care. Seth suffered a deep head injury near his eye that required stitching, and he also sustained a fracture in his left leg. His father’s identification documents were lost in the accident, leaving them unable to access support through the national health insurance. The extended family is in shock, mourning the loss of two loved ones while also struggling financially as they work to organize the burials. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 4th, Seth will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Seth’s aunt is now reaching out for support so he can undergo the surgery he needs, find relief from his suffering, and begin the long journey of healing, not only from his injuries but also from the heartbreaking loss of his mother and sister. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Seth’s aunt said, “Seth is in so much pain. He cries through the night, calling for his mother. I just hope the surgery will ease his suffering.”

Biruke is 12 years old and a second grader from Ethiopia. His parents are farmers who work hard to support Biruke and his six siblings. Two years ago, Biruke noticed an infection on his right thigh. It was causing him pain, limiting his mobility, and preventing him from attending school and playing soccer. Following a consultation with our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that Biruke undergo a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected, dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. He is scheduled for surgery on December 6th, and needs help to raise $900 to fund his treatment and care. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. Biruke's parents shared, "More than anything, we pray for the simple sight of our son being truly healthy—to see him fully restored, running and playing without constraint. We long for him to share the same freedom and opportunity to attend school as every other child."

Atanas is a playful and energetic three-year-old boy from Tanzania who loves to spend his time playing football with his siblings. He is the youngest of four children, living with both of his parents, who work tirelessly as small-scale farmers. Their livelihood depends on cultivating maize and beans on a small plot of land, just enough to feed the family and occasionally sell a little extra in the local market. Though they face many challenges, their home is filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Atanas was diagnosed with genu varus, a condition in which his legs bow outward so that his knees cannot touch. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. His mother first noticed the bending in Atanas’s legs when he started walking. At first, they thought it was just part of growing up, but as time went by, the bowing became more noticeable, and Atanas began to tire easily whenever he played or walked for long periods.. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Atanas. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 11th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Atanas's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Atanas’s mother says, “I’m always positive in life, but my son makes me doubt if I’ll be able to provide Atanas with the care he needs.”

Sim is a 60-year-old cashew farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who is also a cashew farmer, in Kampong Cham province, while their five children currently live separately in nearby villages and towns. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news and Cambodian boxing on TV. On May 11th, 2024, Sim was in a motorbike accident that caused a fracture of the left femur at the mid-shaft of his thigh. After the accident, he was taken to a public hospital in Phnom Penh, where he underwent surgery with hardware to align the bone. Unfortunately, the fracture has not healed properly, which causes instability, limits his ability to bear weight, and makes walking uncomfortable. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 9th, Sim will undergo a fracture repair procedure where doctors will place a new nail and perform a bone graft procedure to help Sim walk more easily. The procedure will promote the healing of the fracture and stimulate bone growth to support the healing process. Sim can contribute $75 but needs your help to raise $408 more to fund his procedure and care. Sim shared, "I hope I can walk and return to work without pain so that I can help take care of my family."

Iren is a 20-year-old lady from Kenya. Her father is a handyman who makes portable charcoal stoves to support the family, while her mother is a farmer. The couple has seven children and Iren's parents work hard to ensure that all of them receive an education. Iren completed her high school education and plans to continue studying once she is in better health. For the past two years, Iren has had a lump on the side of her chest. As the lump grew bigger, it became more painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, her parents could not afford the tests needed to get a proper diagnosis. Iren moved to her uncle's home and her uncle brought Iren to a hospital where she underwent several scans. Iren was then referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, and has been scheduled for mass excision surgery on September 18th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure so that Iren can recover, and continue pursuing her education. Iren said: “I feel like my life is on hold because I can’t proceed to college with this pain I am in.”

Brian is a four-year-old boy from Uganda. His parents are separated. Brian lives with his grandmother and attends pre-primary school. For three years, Brian has had recurring swelling in his right scrotal area. Despite visiting different clinics and receiving painkillers, the pain persisted. They also tried local herbs but without success. His condition causes him to miss school and limits his ability to perform daily tasks. Brian's grandmother visited our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Health Center, where Brian was examined and diagnosed with a scrotal hydrocele. Brian is scheduled for surgery on October 22nd and his family needs our help raising $234 to cover the cost of his surgery. Brian's grandmother was hopeful that he will be better soon and shared, "My grandson will be able to study very well after the surgery."

Peter is a 36-year-old small-scale farmer from Uganda. He and his wife work on the far to support their 11 children. Peter has had a swelling for 20 years. It has been increasing in size slowly, and it is now causing pain and discomfort. He has never sought medical attention from any hospital but has used local herbs. A health worker referred Peter to our medical partner's care center, Rwibaale Health Center, for a medical consult. There, doctors reviewed the mass and determined surgery is needed to remove it and prevent symptoms from worsening. Peter is scheduled for surgery on December 17th and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $153 to fund this procedure and alleviate his symptoms. Peter said: "I hope to resume my farming duties after surgery."

Mariam is a young baby from Kenya. When Mariam was born one month ago, doctors discovered that her spinal canal was open and leaking, a congenital condition in which a child's backbone was exposed. Mariam has spina bifida and was referred to our medical partner's care center, Bethany Kids Kijabe Hospital, for treatment. Upon arrival, Mariam's back was cleaned, and she was admitted to the newborn unit for close monitoring. Mariam remained in the hospital for a month, during which her condition was closely monitored. Just before her discharge, doctors noticed that her head was increasing in size, a complication related to her spina bifida, which causes fluid buildup in the brain. The past month has been incredibly traumatic for Mariam’s mother. Mariam has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Mariam has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Mariam will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Mariam that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled for November 29th and will drain the excess fluid from Mariam's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Mariam will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Mariam's mother says, "I was shocked when I first learned about my child's condition. I hope she gets better and grows up healthy."

Shallon is a small-scale farmer from Uganda. She is a single mother to two children. Shallon performs causal labor work on other people’s gardens. She and her children live with her parents. Shallon is expecting her third child and her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Shallon undergo a c-section on October 1st. This procedure will cost $252, and Shallon needs your support. Shallon says, “I kindly beg for your mercy. Otherwise, I see nowhere else to get money to pay for my surgery. My delivery is soon and doctors say I must deliver by surgery. I really need your support.”

Von is a 68-year-old loving grandfather from Cambodia. He retired from being a policeman and now works as a security guard at a local zoo. He is married and has one daughter, six sons, and four grandchildren. After work, he and his wife like to listen to the news and the monks' prayers on the radio. Four years ago, Von developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him to experience itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. His poor vision makes it difficult for him to see in bright or low light, making his work very challenging. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he cannot go places on his own. When Von learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for eight hours seeking treatment. On July 14th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Von said, "I hope, after surgery, I can see better. I want to recognize things, go to work well, and help my wife take care of our grandchildren."

Justine is a 35-year-old married mother of two children who is pregnant and expecting a new baby. She works as a farmer alongside her husband to earn a living for their family. Justine has been receiving pregnancy care at a local health facility. She was recently referred to our medical partner's care center where a Caesarean section delivery was recommended to prevent complications such as uterine rupture. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Justine receive care to ensure a safe delivery for her and her baby. On November 4th, she will deliver her baby via C-Section at AMH's care center. Now, she and her husband need help raising $252 to fund her procedure and care. Justine shared, "our survival is entirely based on farming and casual labor. I really can’t raise funds for my surgery all on my own and I kindly ask for your support."