Bopha is a teenager from Cambodia. At just 21 days old, Bopha suffered from a severe soft tissue infection that left her back deformed and with thick scarring. Since 2017, she has undergone several skin grafts to expand the skin around the affected area. In March of 2019, she was fitted with a halo gravity traction for three months, which reduced the curvature in her spine. Spinal surgery will help correct the position of her spine, and prevent further worsening of the condition. Surgery is scheduled for June 7 and will cost $1,500. Bopha enjoys reading books, listening to music, and watching television in her free time. She looks forward to returning to school and her friends as soon as possible.

Alhaji is a toddler from Tanzania. He is very active and playful. He has not started school yet. Alhaji lives with his mother and one of his brothers in his grandmother’s house. Alhaji’s mother is a small businesswoman who sells onions. Alhaji was diagnosed with bilateral congenital genu varus. His legs are bent. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he cannot walk well and experiences pain when he walks long distances. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Alhaji. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 9. Treatment will hopefully restore Alhaji's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Alhaji’s mother says, “I am happy that Alhaji will receive treatment and I will be very happy to see him attend school and become a doctor one day."