Peace is an eight-year-old girl from Kenya who was brought to our care center by her grandmother. She is the firstborn of two siblings and is in grade two at her local public primary school. Peace's mother, who is 30 years old, dropped out of school after getting pregnant with Peace. Despite her desire to return to school after giving birth, her parents refused, as her other two siblings were already in school. Consequently, Peace's mother started a family life. She works as a casual laborer, picking tea on other people's farms, and Peace's father owns a boda boda (motorcycle taxi). The family also owns a piece of land with tea plants and another where they grow maize, beans, and Irish potatoes for their family's home consumption. In 2022, while attempting to lift her brother, Peace accidentally fell and injured her hand. She was taken to the hospital, where she had an X-ray, and the doctors applied a Plaster of Paris. However, the plaster was removed after a month and a half, and her hand had already deformed. Peace was then referred to another hospital for treatment, but the family lacked the necessary funds for the required surgical procedure at the time. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help Peace heal. On November 3rd, Peace will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure helps fix severely broken bones and is only used for serious fractures that can't be treated with a cast or splint. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), requests $1,079 to fund this surgery. Peace's mother said, "I kindly ask for your support so that my little daughter can have a normal life like the rest."

Hon is a 71-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. She has one son, three daughters, and 11 grandchildren. Currently, she and her husband live close to their children, all of whom are farmers who help to support their parents. About four years ago, Hon developed a cataract in her left eye, resulting in blurry vision, light sensitivity, and tearing. Due to her impaired vision, Hon is reluctant to go out on her own. Hon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought their help. On April 25th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, Hon will once again be able to see clearly and regain her independence. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Hon said: "I hope my vision improves and I can get around easily by myself. I want to be able to help care for my grandchildren and walk to the pagoda by myself."

Caroline is a 26 year old woman who lives in the Nairobi area with her husband and five year old son. Caroline is a casual laborer who washes clothes for her neighbors, while her husband is also a casual laborer at construction sites getting work whenever he can. Six years ago Caroline began to experience troubling symptoms, including a swelling of the neck, accompanied by regular headaches, increased heartbeat at times, and difficulty sleeping. The problem appeared to start with a small nodule in her neck, which increased in size during her pregnancy. She was ultimately diagnosed with an enlarged thyroid gland, which will need to be excised to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Luckily Caroline's friend, Teresia, who had a thyroidectomy supported by the Watsi community, brought Caroline to meet with doctors from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Now on February 28th Caroline will undergo a thyroidectomy at Nazareth Hospital, where surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $657, and Caroline and her family need your help to raise this money. If not treated, the goiter will continue to grow, causing more severe symptoms and potentially leading to thyrotoxicosis. “I thank my friend for bringing me to Nazareth. I also request for help so that I can be treated and get back my normal life. My family is just beginning, and I hope to be well to take care of my young family like other mothers,” said Caroline.

Agnes is a mother of three children, aged between 3 to 7 years old. She works as a tailor who mends clothes for a living while her husband works on construction sites. Income from this job is inconsistent and often negligible. They live in a one-room rental house in a semi-rural town. Earlier this month, Agnes was involved in a road accident while traveling from church. She reports that the brakes of the car they were traveling in failed and they rolled off the road. She was rushed to Kijabe Hospital where she was stabilized and an X-ray revealed a right distal radius fracture. It is difficult for her to use her hand, and she is in constant pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On July 14th, Agnes will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help her heal without a deformity. It will also enable her to use her hand again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Agnes says, “This accident got us unaware. I broke my arm but I am glad it can be rectified. I thank God my life was saved but I still need this treatment to avoid having a deformity. ”

Vanthan is a 69-year-old widow from Cambodia. She has one daughter and four grandchildren. Her husband disappeared during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, so she lives with her daughter and grandchildren. Her daughter works in a local garment factory. Previously, Vanthan sold rice at the local market but had to stop work due to her poor eyesight. Three years ago, Vanthan developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her tearing, photophobia, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Vanthan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund this procedure. Vanthan said: "After surgery, I hope my eye will see clearly. I want to take care of my grandchildren and be able to join ceremonies at the village pagoda."

Aung is a 34 year old office clerk who lives on his own in Yangon, Burma. In November 2019, Aung started to tire easily. At first he thought it was due to working too much, but when he started to feel tired after walking short distances, he became concerned. He told his employer about his symptoms, and they suggested that he might have a heart condition. Aung then went to a heart specialist, where he was diagnosed with atrial septal defect, which is a hole in the upper chambers of his heart. Because he could not afford to pay for treatment, Aung traveled to Mae Tao Clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand, where he was referred to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. Now they are seeking $1,500 for the operation that Aung needs to close the hole in his heart. Surgery is scheduled for May 20th, at Pun Hlaing Hospital. Until he has this procedure, Aung will continue having shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest pain - worsening with time. "In the future, I hope I can find a higher paying job so that I can help support my mother and my younger sisters who live in another city," said Aung as he dreamed about his future when he feels well again.

Meet Andy, a playful two year old boy, living in Kiambu county in Kenya. Andy likes to play, and while on his daily routine, he fell, and injured his right arm. He was taken to a nearby hospital, and was given antibiotics. Later, he was referred to a different hospital for further investigation. The X-rays that were done showed that Andy sustained a fracture of his right arm, and requires surgery urgently. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,224 to fund Andy's surgery, which will enable him to use his arm and hand again. The fracture repair procedure is scheduled to take place on January 19th at AIC Cure International Hospital. “I am appealing for support from well-wishers to help my son undergo surgery and continue with his normal life,” Andy's mother told us.

Rithy is a 27-year-old from Cambodia. He and his wife have been married for five years, and they have two daughters, ages two and four. Rithy and his wife work in a clothes factory, and their family cares for their daughters while they are at work. In his free time, Rithy enjoys taking walks with his family, cooking, listening to the news, and watching TV. About four years ago, Rithy fell down several stairs and sustained trauma to his jaw, eye, and face. His family took him to a local hospital, where he underwent an open reduction internal fixation of his jaw. Since then, his jaw has not been the same; he cannot open it without experiencing pain, and subsequently, he has difficulty eating, drinking, or talking. A neighbor told Rithy about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). He visited AMH's care center, and the doctors diagnosed his condition as temporomandibular joint ankylosis. On December 5th, surgeons will perform a bilateral condylectomy to repair Rithy's jaw. CSC is requesting $469 to cover the cost of his surgery, post-operative care, and medicines. Rithy was able to gather $100 to contribute to his care. Rithy said: "I hope that my jaw will be fixed and my face will look normal again. I want to open my mouth again to eat, drink, and work hard to support my family."

15-year-old Min, whose parents passed away five years ago, lives with his uncle and his cousins in a village on the border of Burma and Thailand. He helps his uncle with his work as a farmer. On March 19, 2023, Min accidentally hit a stopped tractor-trailer with his motorcycle while driving at night. He was unable to move due to his pain, but people who were nearby brought him to the hospital. Currently, Min continues to live in pain and is unable to move his legs. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Min will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones, and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for March 19th at Mae Sot General Hospital and will cost $1,500. Now Min and his family need your help to raise the money for Min's surgery, which will enable him to walk again. Min said: "I feel sorry for the accident. I want to thank you [BCMF and the donor] for helping me get treatment. I hope for full recovery. After I get treated, I will try to help my uncle who has been raising me and taking care of me all the time.”

A couple from Tanzania visited our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), with their adorable newborn baby boy. Their two-day-old baby was born with clubfoot of both feet, which is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This condition can cause difficulty walking or wearing shoes. The couple is concerned that their son may have difficulty walking in the future as he grows, and they are seeking assistance with surgery. The baby's father works full-time at a timber factory and shared that his income only covers their basic needs. They are overjoyed with their new son and are hopeful he'll receive the care he needs. Fortunately, AMH can help! On November 4th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery that will allow the baby to walk easily and wear shoes as he grows up. AMH is requesting $935 to fund this procedure. Rebecca, the baby's mother, shared, “I am glad to know that my baby’s condition is treatable.”

Narak is a 19-year-old farmer who lives with his parents and has an eight-year-old sister who is in grade two. He has finished grade 10 in school. The family grows rainy day rice and vegetables that they sell at the local market. Narak helps his parents on the farm and is studying Japanese because he wants to work in Japan one day. In his free time, he enjoys singing songs, listening to music, playing football, and swimming. In March 2022, he was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his left femur. He was treated at a government hospital with a fracture repair and external fixation frame but did not follow up after two months because of his inability to pay. He feels poorly, and has chronic discharge and redness at the surgical site. It is difficult for him to walk and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On October 5th, Narak will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will rid him of his chronic infection and help him walk again. Narak said: "after surgery, I hope my left leg will be fixed, no pain, no infection, and I can go back home soon."

Meet Kosal, a 32-year-old husband and father who lives in Cambodia with his wife and three children. When he is not working, he enjoys playing volleyball, watching television, and spending time with his family. On June 12th, Kosal's left hand was burned at work by an electric shock. He visited a private clinic for wound care and medication and remained there for 15 days. Although he eventually returned home, the wound on his hand remained unhealed and has since become infected. He is currently experiencing pain and has a loss of sensation. Kosal traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), to seek treatment for his infected wound. On September 1st, surgeons at CSC's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, will perform a debridement and nerve graft procedure on his left wrist. This surgery should enable Kosal to heal completely and regain full motion of his hand. CSC is now seeking $572 to fund his procedure. Kosal says, "I hope my left hand heals and I can return to work again."