Rayvan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania and the middle child in his family of three. His parents practice small-scale farming, growing primarily maize and cassava, to meet their family's needs. Rayvan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Shortly after he started walking, his legs began bowing. Several factors can 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. For Rayvan, this condition has made him less active and affected his confidence. On January 16th, Rayvan will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. This treatment will restore his mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund Rayvan's treatment. Rayan's mother said, "I hope that one day Rayvan won't even remember that he had this conditon making it hard for him to walk properly."

Pong is 37 years old and a volunteer teaching assistant from Cambodia. She lives in Kompong Cham province with her parents, who work as rice farmers. In her free time, Pong helps her parents in the farm and around the house. Pong was born with Cloves syndrome, a very rare congenital condition characterized by a combination of vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint anomalies. She has lymphangioma, a large, benign malformation of the lymphatic system. The mass on her face has been affecting her eyes, causing excessive dryness and pain when working or riding her motorbike due to sensitivity to wind and pollution. She hopes to improve her comfort so she can continue to drive, attend her volunteer job, and work in the rice fields. Fortunately, Pong learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. At CSC, surgeons can perform a complex excision surgery to help relieve Pong of her eye pain, and allow her to work and carry out her daily activities more easily. The treatment is scheduled on December 1st. Pong's family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $741 to pay for Pong's treatment and care. Pong said, "After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have pain in my left eye, so I can do my job and help my parents in the rice fields."