Meet Kanha, a 10-year-old girl from Cambodia. According to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), Kanha is in the fourth grade and enjoys reading math books, playing with her friends, and drawing. Kanha has knee dislocations in both of her legs. CSC explains, “One year ago, Kanha received poorly administered injections in her legs. This is common in Cambodia, where the government clinics deploy untrained medical staff to administer injections for young children with fevers.” The improper injection led Kanha’s leg muscles to contract--eventually dislocating her kneecaps. Due to this, Kanha is unable to walk without experiencing discomfort, consequently affecting her schooling. With $378, Kanha will receive a quadricepsplasty. This procedure will increase the range of motion in her knees--allowing Kanha to walk again without pain. In addition, Kanha will receive five days of hospital care. While there, she will work with a physiotherapist to help her safely adjust to the changes after surgery. Kanha tells us, “After I am healed I will go to school normally. One day I want to be a teacher."

One-month-old Elizabeth was “born with a lesion on her back which is leaking cerebral spinal fluid," explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). She was diagnosed with a myelomeningocoele and hydrocephalus. Her condition positions her at high risk of contracting infections if not treated. Elizabeth lives with her parents and a large family in Tanzania. Her father works as a guard at an NGO and keeps a few cows and goats. Elizabeth’s parents cannot raise the funds to cover the cost of Elizabeth’s treatment. For $1,200, Elizabeth will receive surgery to close the mass on her back. Surgery will allow her to “heal, preventing her from easily contracting infections." By eliminating this risk, Elizabeth will be able to continue growing and enjoying her family. Her mother adds, “I just hope my baby will be okay. I will be happy to see her grow up like other children."