Khan is a 74-year-old food seller, though her age and health is preventing her from working more. She had one son who passed away five years ago and three grandchildren. She currently lives with her husband and daughter-in-law, who is a garment worker. Khan's favorite pastime is listening to monks pray on the radio. Three years ago, Khan developed entropion of the eyelids. This means that her eyelids turn inward, causing her eyelashes to scrape the surface of her eyes. It is difficult for her to open her eyelids and see. Khan traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 2nd, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a corrective procedure to repair her eyelids. Now, CSC is requesting $225 to fund this procedure. Smiling, she shared, "I hope after surgery my eye stops tearing and itching, I can go outside, recognize my family and friends, do housework and take care of my grandchildren. I want to help my niece to collect chew seeds at the farm field."

Mavis is a three-year-old girl and the firstborn child of her parents, who are both small scale farmers. Her younger sibling is just one year old. Mavis has not started school yet. She likes playing with her grandmother whenever she gets a chance. The family currently lives in a two-room semi-permanent house that they own. Two years ago, Mavis developed a small swelling on her neck that has been increasing in size over time. The mass is worrying for her family and a friend recently referred her mother to our medical partner's care center, Rushoroza Hospital. Mavis's mother shares that despite visiting many health clinics, none provided a solution for her daughter’s worsening condition. At the hospital, Mavis was diagnosed with a thyroglossal mass, a cyst developed near the thyroid glands which, if not treated, can continue increasing in size and affect the child's breathing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $145 to fund the mass removal procedure, which is scheduled to take place on August 10th. Mavis' mother shares, “My daughter’s condition is worrying and we need help to treat her. I believe given treatment, she will comfortably start education once the right time comes and she is in good health.”

Vedastus is a two-year-old boy and the only child of his young parents. He's a friendly boy who is currently having a hard time walking because his legs bow outwards. Vedastus' mother works at a local food joint as a cook. Her income is not much, but enables her to support and care for her son. Vedastus' father is still in college studying, which leaves Vedastus' mother as the only parent with an income. Vedastus was diagnosed with fluorosis - genu varus, where his legs bowing outwards so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Vedastus cannot walk well and he is in pain. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Vedastus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 2nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Vedastus's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Vedastus’s mother says "I am the only person working to be able to provide for our son. The father of my son is still studying and my income is not enough to care for Vedastus and afford his treatment cost. Please help us, he needs treatment for his leg because he is struggling to walk.”

Elsa is a 9-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves to play football with his dad and other kids. He is the first born in a family of three. His father is a daily laborer and his mother takes care of their house and family. Elsa and his family live in a rented house. Their family shared with us that Elsa does not go to school because his father hides him from the community for fear of gossip and stigma due to his birth condition. His parents are highly affected psychologically as a result of his affliction. His father is planning to send him to school in September after his surgery and recovery. Elsa was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Elsa had his first stage of hypospadias repair surgery in January and is now planned for a second stage surgery. He will be healthy and active after this treatment. Elsa is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on August 31st. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. His father said, “I hope my child goes to school after the treatment. I hope he will mingle and play with other children and that will make him happy, break his isolation, and resolve the tension in his mind. If God wills he will be a doctor.”

Ranuth is a 13-year-old boy from Cambodia. He has three siblings, and he is the second child in the family. Both of his parents work as small scale farmers. Ranuth has been experiencing ear pain with hearing loss in both ears. His mother bought him medicine to alleviate his nasal obstruction and runny nose, but his symptoms did not improve. Upon visiting our medical partner's care center, doctors diagnosed him with a condition called adhesive otitis, also known as "glue ears," which occurs when the middle part of the ear fills with fluid. The fluid can become thick and sticky, like glue, in this part of the ear behind the eardrum. Over time, this condition is likely to lead to a middle ear infection. Ranuth will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo a myringotomy on February 1st. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $137 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Once recovered, he will be free of pain and will be able to hear normally again. Ranuth shared, "I hope that my hearing will improve, the pain in both ears will disappear, and I will no longer have a runny nose. I am excited to participate in school again and hear my teachers' voices."