Meet 26-year-old Sokunthea from Cambodia. “Sokunthea is a garment worker who enjoys listening to music, especially pop songs,” shares our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Unfortunatey, Sokunthea was recently involved in a motorcycle accident that has left her unable to provide for herself. “Sokunthea was hit by a car while on a motorcycle in August,” reports CSC. “She fractured her right femur and patella (kneecap). It is difficult for her to walk because of her broken leg. She also experiences pain and cannot work. Her parents must take care of her until she is better.” “Sokunthea feels sad, because she cannot work to support herself,” shares CSC. “She received treatment with Khmer traditional medicine a month ago, but her condition did not improve.” With $405 in funding, Sokunthea can receive an open reduction internal fixation surgery to realign the bone fracture into its normal position and keep the realigned bone stable via steel rods, screws, or plates. This cost includes anesthesia, medical instruments, general operation supplies, laboratory work, physiotherapy, post-operative medicine, and x-rays. Sokunthea should be completely healed after surgery. CSC says, “Sokunthea will be able to walk again without pain, and return to work at the garment factory to support herself.”

Eight-month-old Vivian lives with her mother and father in Kenya. “Vivian was born without an anal opening,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “She passes stool through a colostomy opening on the upper section of her abdomen and then into a collection bag.” “Vivian is at risk of infection because of occasional leakages that occur and cause general irritation and scaring on her skin,” AMHF adds. “If not treated, she will never be able to pass stool normally.” Vivian’s mother stays at home to care for her, while her father works as a cleaner at a shop close to their home, The money that her father earns does not cover basic needs for the family and his orphaned siblings, whom he also supports. Given the family’s financial situation, they are unable to pay for Vivian’s medical care. With $1,260 in funding, Vivian can undergo an anorectoplasty to create a new anal opening and correct the anorectal malformation. The surgery, says AMHF, will “allow Vivian to pass stool normally.” “I hope my child will pass stool normally soon,” says Vivian’s father. “Thank you for helping us.”