Laurecia is a 19-year-old tailor living in Tanzania. When she was about two years old, her parents noticed her legs bowing outwards. They did not seek treatment, however, due to financial challenges. Laurecia, who is a very determined young woman, was able to complete her Form 4 studies and pursue her passion for tailoring, enrolling in a vocational school where she could hone her skills. Laurecia was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, stemming from the consumption of contaminated drinking water. As a result of her condition, Laurecia has a difficult time walking and doing the work of a tailor. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Laurecia. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment will restore Laurecia's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Laurecia says: “I have lived with this condition for too long. I’m hopeful for the future now that I am about to start treatment.”

Austin is seven years old and a pupil in pre-primary two in Kenya. His father sells household items in Mwiki, while his mother is a homemaker. Austin also has one sibling. Austin has suffered from developmental delays in his growth and ability to speak. He also suffers from a heart condition, for which he is receiving treatment. Additionally, Austin has been diagnosed with significant hearing loss in both of his ears. As a result, his father reports that Austin performs poorly in school and has difficulty pronouncing words. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, wants to help Austin procure hearing aids. After being evaluated, Austin will receive his hearing aids- which will cost $1,171- on March 21st, at AIC Kijabe Hospital. Austin and his family need your help to raise the necessary funds. Austin's father says: “Austin is struggling to study in school. He is unable to pronounce words and do sums in class.”

Khorn is a 41-year-old potato and corn farmer from Cambodia. He lives with and cares for his widowed mother in Battambang province. He has two brothers and three sisters who live nearby. Outside of farming, he likes to cook for his mother and siblings. Eight years ago, Khorn had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his right ear to perforate. As a result, Khorn experiences ear discharge, pain, and hearing loss. He has had bilateral ear discharge on and off since he was six years old, which has impaired his speech. He had surgery on his left ear several years ago, but his right ear continues to interfere with his hearing and overall health. Khorn traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 7th, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear where surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Khorn said: "I hope I will get well from this illness after surgery. I want to improve my hearing and stop my ear discharge and pain. I can work on the farm to help feed my family when I feel good."

Pwey is a 72-year-old man from Thailand. He lives alone in a refugee camp in northern Thailand. He raises chickens and receives some financial help from his daughter who also lives in the camp. He has cataracts and his vision is blurred. His eyes are also sensitive to light and from his right eye, he can only make out shapes. He can still see with his left eye but he is unable to cook and walk without assistance. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Pwey. On February 22nd, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Pwey's natural lenses and replace them with an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Pwey needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. He said, “I like living alone. Even though my daughter asks me to move in with her, I don’t want to. Since I live alone, I want my vision to improve so that I can cook and do everything on my own. Most importantly, so that I can walk faster without worrying about slipping or tripping on something.”

Channa is a 6-year-old first-grader from Cambodia. She lives at home with her parents and two siblings. Her father is a construction worker, and her mom stays home to take care of the children. Channa loves to paint, eat fried eggs, and is enjoying learning to read. Since last year, Channa has been experiencing recurring sore throats, difficulty breathing, sneezing, and a persistent runny nose. The frequent illness causes her to miss school. Channa was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Channa, which is scheduled to take place on February 2nd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Channa of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Her mom said, "I hope after surgery she can feel okay again."

Jardel is a preschool student and an only child. His father sadly passed on early last year. Jardel is under the care of his mother who does not have a source of income. Jardel and his mother live at their elderly grandmother’s home. The family does not have the financial capability to cover medical bills and relies on relatives for support. For over two years, Jardel has been experiencing nasal blockage, pain and difficulty swallowing. Jardel is unable to eat well and his mother reports that he also struggles to sleep. Jardel was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which are the soft tissue behind the nasal cavity. Without treatment, this condition will cause Jardel's symptoms to persist and possibly even intensify. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $818 to fund an adenotonsillectomy for Jardel, which is scheduled to take place on January 12th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, relieving Jardel of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Jardel's mother shared, “Jardel sleeps with a lot of difficulties. He snores a lot and struggles to breathe. He also has difficulties in eating, particularly solid foods.”

Meet David, a 29-year-old boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) rider from Kenya. He and his wife have two children. David's income supports their family, but he was recently injured in a hit-and-run accident that compromised his mobility. David was driving his boda-boda when he was hit by another car. An x-ray revealed that he fractured his right leg and dislocated his right ankle. David has a cast on his leg and uses crutches to walk. He needs to undergo surgery to heal. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. On December 15th, David will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Once he fully recovers from his treatment, David will be able to walk again and take care of his family. AMH is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. David says, "I rely on my legs to ride my motorbike. This is how I feed my family. With this fracture, I am unable to work and provide for them. Therefore, I appeal for your support."

Rous is 68 years old with three daughters, three sons, and five grandchildren. He lives with his wife and youngest son, who has a small business cleaning cars. At home, he likes to listen to the news on the radio and help his son with detailing and waxing cars. Three years ago, Rous developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurry vision. This can make it difficult to see any small details clearly. He is no longer farming and not able to help his son with his work. When Rous learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled their hoping for treatment. On November 22nd, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Rous said: "I hope my eyesight will improve so I can help my son with his business, and help my wife with housework."

Ma Win is an 18-year-old girl who lives with her parents, sister and brother-in-law in Yangon, Burma. Ma Win’s sister works at a clothing factory, while her brother-in-law works as a day laborer. Her parents are homemakers. Before Ma Win's current illness, she also worked at a factory. When Ma Win was four years old, she experienced a bout of high fever, and was brought to the local clinic. She received an injection, and the doctor informed her parents that she was born with a heart problem. However, she was too young at the time for corrective surgery. Instead, she was sent home with medication, and appeared to be doing well until this past year. In April, Ma Win began experiencing chest pains, high fever and difficulty breathing. She went to a clinic, and received an x-ray and an echocardiogram. After the doctor checked her results, she was diagnosed with an opening between two major blood vessels leading from the heart. The doctor told her and her family that she would need to have surgery. When Ma Win explained to the doctor that her family could not afford to pay for the surgery, she was referred to the abbot of a local monastery, who provided the family with information about our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. Now Ma Win is scheduled for cardiac surgery on October 23rd at Pun Hlaing Hospital. After she has recovered, she should no longer experience chest pains or difficulty breathing, and she won't have to worry any longer about her condition. She will also be able to return to work, which will help ease her family's financial burdens. Now she needs your help to raise $1,500 to cover the cost of her procedure. Ma Win said: “I am scared to receive surgery, but my mother tries to encourage me. However, I am very happy that I will be able to receive treatment with your help. I would like to say thank you so much to all the donors.”

Steevenson is a 21-year-old, living in a small farming village in southwest Haiti, with his parents and three younger siblings. Steevenson helps his parents tend to their farm, although he is hoping to be able to complete high school, once his health has improved. As a child, Steevenson suffered from a case of rheumatic fever, which left his heart severely damaged. As a result, one of his four heart valves cannot pump sufficient blood through his body, which leaves Steevenson weak and short of breath. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is helping Steevenson to finally receive the treatment that he needs. Steevenson will fly to the Dominican Republic, where on September 26th, surgeons at Hospital CEDIMAT will attempt to repair his damaged valve. If this isn't possible, an artificial valve will be implanted. Haiti Cardiac Alliance is contributing $8,000 to pay for Steevenson's surgery. But Steevenson's family also needs your help to secure $1,500 to fund the cost of labs, medicines and follow up appointments, as well as for the passports and the social workers who will accompany the family to the Dominican Republic. Steevenson shared, "I have been praying for this surgery since I was a child, and I hope that when it is over I can be fully healthy and will have more energy."

Vit is a 35-year-old taxi driver from Cambodia who currently lives with and helps support his elderly parents. During his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball and watching the news on his phone. One month ago, Vit developed a chalazion in his right eye, causing him to experience eye swelling, itchiness, and chronic irritation. A chalazion is an inflamed cyst in a patient's tear gland. As a result of his condition, it is difficult for him to see clearly and drive. Vit traveled for three and a half hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On August 11th, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Vit's symptoms should improve. He now needs help raising $210 to fund this procedure. Vit says, "I hope after surgery my eyelid will not be swollen and I can go back to driving a taxi to support my parents."