Victor is a three-year-old boy and the youngest in a family of four children. Victor’s father is the sole provider for the family through his job at a tobacco factory. Victor was diagnosed with bilateral Genu Valgus, which means that his legs have bowed inwards forming knocked knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, walking is difficult and painful for him. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Victor to receive treatment. On September 14th, Victor will undergo corrective surgery at AMH's care center and now, AMH is requesting $880 to fund Victor's procedure and care. Treatment will hopefully restore Victor's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities and greatly decreasing his risk of future complications. Victor’s mother shared, "we have been informed that surgery will correct his legs but the cost is too high for us to afford."

Kelvin is a bright second grade student and the last born in a family of five. His mother told us that Kelvin likes playing football, reading, and running together with his friends. Kelvin's mother is now a single mom after she separated from her husband many years ago after he engaged in drugs and frequent drinking. “He could not provide for the family anymore...” Kelvin's mother told us. Currently, Kelvin's mother has a small makeshift hotel, known as a Kibanda, where she sells tea, porridge, and mandazi (doughnuts) which is just enough to sustain her children and pay for their house rent. Kelvin has a hemiplegic cerebral palsy condition. When Kelvin was one year old, his mother noticed a bending of the left foot, and as he continued to grow his left foot worsened. Recently, while Kelvin was passing by the market in the village, a lady spotted him and inquired about where he lived. She later called Kelvin's mother and advised her to visit CURE hospital. At the hospital, Kelvin was scheduled to undergo surgery. Fortunately, Kelvin traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on August 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund Kelvin's treatment. After treatment, he will be able to walk well and play with friends. He will also be able to continue with his studies uninterrupted. Kelvin's mother said, “I am seeking support because I cannot pay the hospital bill, if I can be helped, I will be grateful to see my son walking normally.”

Amani is a beautiful eight-month-old baby boy and the last born child in a family of four children. Amani's parents are small scale farmers who grow maize, bean, potatoes and vegetables which they mainly use for their own food. The father also works as a night guard to be able to get money to support his family. Amani 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, Amani has been experiencing fevers and an impact on his eyes. Without treatment, Amani will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,300 to cover the cost of surgery for Amani that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 14th and will drain the excess fluid from Amani's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Amani will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Amani’s mother says, "It’s not been easy for us ever since we had our baby due to his health issues, he needs treatment but we cannot afford the cost. Help us if you can.”

Gift is curious, charming, and social two-year-old boy. He's the second born child in a family of three children. Both of his parents are small scale farmers who grow maize, beans, and vegetables for their food. They also go out to seek other work, such as helping on other farms, to earn an income. Gift has clubfoot of his right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Gift receive treatment. On July 13th, surgeons at AMH's care center will perform clubfoot repair surgery. Now, AMH is requesting $935 to fund Gift's procedure. After treatment, Gift will be able to walk and wear shoes. Gift’s mother shared, "I know my son will be very happy to be able to wear shoes and walk in a normal way. Please help him have this treatment."

Fenet is a 1-year-old child from Ethiopia. She is a beautiful baby girl with two older siblings and she loves to play with them and their parents. Her dad is a daily labourer with an income not large enough to meet the family's needs and medical costs. Fenet was born with an anorectal malformation, which is a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. Children with this condition have an imperforate anus, or an absence of opening where it should be. Due to this condition, she developed bowel obstruction and underwent an emergency colostomy. Post-surgery, Fenet has had multiple issues with her colostomy care and experienced associated complications. As a result, she cannot pass stool in a normal way. Fenet's condition has taken its toll on her mom and dad, and the whole process has been very emotional and difficult for them to go through. Her family appeals for help for Fenet to be treated. Fenet is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on June 10th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Fenet's procedure and care. After her recovery, Fenet will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Her mom shared, “I hope my child will heal and God is able.”

Sambon is a 65-year-old proud grandfather. He has been married for 40 years and has two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. Sambon's wife is a cook at a small organization in Phnom Penh. Sambon is retired now, but used to be a government worker building roads. On May 9th, Sambon was burned by hot water on both legs. His family took him to an NGO hospital where the wounds were dressed and treated. Then, they referred him to Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for further evaluation and treatment. It is difficult for him to bend his legs and he is in pain. On May 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the dead skin and apply a skin graft so can regain use of his legs. Now, he needs help to fund this $787 procedure. Sambon shared, "I am so thankful that I can return home soon after I am healed."

Deborah works as a helper at a house and for a family in Kenya. Her husband passed away 11 years ago and she has been raising their three children on her own. Her children are now adults and, although they are supportive, they don’t yet have stable jobs. One year ago, Deborah began experiencing severe lower abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She needs to have a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $794 to fund Deborah's surgery. On March 18th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at AMH's care center. Once recovered, Deborah will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Deborah shared, “I am in so much pain and the discomfort has made me unable to work. My savings cannot cover the required cost of surgery.”

Alexa is a two-year-old girl that the only child in her family. Her mother is a housewife who has dedicated her time to raising her and taking care of their home and family. Her father is a casual laborer. The family lives in their three room ancestral home. Alexa was born with a facial condition that required medical and surgical attention. The reconstruction procedure she underwent exhausted the savings that her parents had and she is now prone to infections. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Alexa receive treatment. On March 31st, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to prevent further infection and help her heal. Now, Alexa needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Alexa’s mother shared, “Alexa is usually cheerful, but now she is dull and in pain. The infection is clearly making her uncomfortable and she needs this surgery. Sadly, we are unable to raise the required amount."

Dalin is a 13-year-old 7th grade student, with one younger sister. His parents are both rice farmers. Dalin's favorite subjects in school are Khmer and math. His favorite meal is called koko sou with roast chicken and juice. Dalin shared with us that he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. Five years ago, Dalin had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Dalin experiences hearing loss, tinnitus and ear discharge. It is difficult for him to hear at school. He's often absent from class due to the ear discharge. Dalin's family traveled to our medical partner's care center to finally receive treatment. On February 17th, he will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $925 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care at the hospital. Dalin said, "I hope my hearing will improve and the ear discharge will stop after surgery."

Shamra is a 3-year-old baby girl from Tanzania. She is the firstborn of two children in her family. Shamra has clubfoot of her left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes her difficulty with walking and wearing shoes. She needs surgery to help re-position her foot correctly. Currently, Shamra and her sibling are being looked after by their grandmother because their mother has been sick for a long time and is unable to care for herself and her children. Given her age, their grandmother shared with us that she is really struggling to provide and care for both her daughter and and her grandchildren. Shamra’s grandmother sells boiled maize and groundnuts by the roadside in order to feed and care for her sick daughter and her grandchildren. Shamra's father has been absent for some time and does not provide support for their family. Their family appeals for financial support for the care that Shamra needs. Fortunately, Shamra traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery and ongoing treatment starting on January 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Shamra's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk and play easily again. Shamra’s grandmother shared, “Please help my granddaughter as we are going through a very challenging situation and we have no means to raise the money we need. Thank you for any support you can provide.”

San is a 23-year-old fisherman from Cambodia. San has been married for two years and has a son who is one. His wife is a farmer. In his free time, San enjoys meeting friends, doing house work, taking care of his son, and taking his wife to their local market. San had an accident with a machine on a fishing boat that caused a fracture of his right arm and damaged the nerves. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right 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 lift his arm and he cannot work. San traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On December 21st, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will be able to use his arm again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $696 to fund this procedure. San said, "I hope after surgery I get back full arm function and can work again."

Aiden is a four-year-old boy from Kenya. He is a playful kindergartener who hails from Kanam Keener Village in Turkana County. On November 13th, Aiden sustained a severe injury to his right upper limb after he fell on a hard ground while playing with his friends. His aunt brought him to the hospital after she heard his cries outside. Aiden was reviewed by our partner doctors, who conducted an X-Ray revealing a fracture to his right supracondylar or upper arm bone. Because he was in pain and could not move his hand, doctors applied skin traction to stabilize his fracture and realign the normal position of the bone. Aiden will need an Open Reduction and External Fixation (OREF) procedure to fully treat his injury. Unfortunately, this procedure is costly for Aiden and his family. Aiden is the second born child in a family of three. His mother is a single mother who earns wages from laundry labor. Because she lacks a stable job, she is struggling financially, exacerbated especially by the COVID pandemic. She decided to take Aiden to stay with his aunt because it was difficult for her to support three children by herself. Aiden and his family are appealing for financial help. On November 16th, Aiden will undergo an OREF procedure at our medical partner's care center, which will cost $801. Once recovered, he will be able to move his hand again and carry out daily life activities as normal. Aiden's mother shared, “He has so much pain. I hope he gets treated and feels better and will be well again”.