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."

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."

Maureen is a charming and friendly three-year-old from Tanzania. She is the firstborn child of her parents, who are both small-scale farmers. They depend on the food they harvest to feed their family, and they earn money by selling the vegetables. Maureen was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition that causes her legs to bow inward, making her knees touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Maureen has a difficult time walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Maureen. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 15th. Undergoing this treatment will hopefully restore her mobility, allowing her to participate in a variety of activities. It will also greatly decrease the risk of future complications. Maureen’s mother says, “My daughter’s walking has been of concern for a long time. Please help her.”

Poeun is a 70-year-old grandfather with two daughters, five sons, and six grandchildren. He takes care of his grandchildren when his children go to work. Eight years ago, Poeun developed a severe ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membranes, or the ear drums, in both of his ears to perforate. As a result, Poeun experiences hearing loss, pain, and discharge, and it is difficult for him to communicate clearly with others. Poeun traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the care center of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 7th, he will undergo a procedure on both ears, during which doctors will close the perforations. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $914 to fund this procedure, and to cover Poeun's medications, supplies and inpatient care. Poeun says: "I hope after surgery my hearing improves and the pain stops."

Agnes is a college student and is in her final year pursuing an architectural course. She lives with her parents and is the second born in a family of three children, all of whom are in school and rely on their parents for school fees and upkeep. Her father is a carpenter in their hometown, Kimende, and his income is inconsistent and not enough to cover the cost of the required surgery. Her mother is a small-scale farmer. Agnes was heading home in the evening last night when she remembers hearing screams and was hit by an unknown motorist from behind. She has no recollection of what happened after that. She lost consciousness and could not recognize her surroundings. She was brought to our medical partner's care center Kijabe Hospital and had an x-ray that revealed a left distal femur fracture. Doctors have recommended an urgent fracture repair surgery since the wound is open and she is in extreme pain. Today, she has regained her consciousness but cannot sit or walk due to the fracture. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner are here to help. On October 14th, Agnes will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help get rid of the pain and she will eventually be able to sit and walk easily again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Agnes says, “I am in so much pain and I cannot walk. I don’t remember what happened, I just found myself bedridden with lights all over. I am unable to go back home because of the fracture.”

Sen Rith is a thirteen-year-old student. Sen Rith is in grade six and lives at the Sunrise Children's Village, where abandoned children are given a home, food, schooling, and vocational training to help support themselves when they turn 18. When not studying, Sen Rith likes watching funny stories on TV and playing with other children. For the past two years, Sen Rith has been experiencing a sore throat, cough, and difficulty swallowing. Sen Rith often has pain and fever and experiences difficulty eating and sleeping. When he feels poorly, Sen Rith does not attend school, and cannot eat anything. Sen Rith was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause symptoms to persist and intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Sen Rith, which is scheduled to take place on May 11th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Sen Rith of his symptoms and helping him live much more comfortably. Sen Rith shared, "I want to go to school, but cannot when I feel bad. I hope to stop my throat infections and feel healthy again."

Kamsoth is a 39-year-old construction worker. He's married and his wife works in a local garment factory. The couple has one son and two daughters. In his free time, Kamsoth enjoys meeting friends for coffee, exercising to improve his health, listening to the news on the radio, and watching boxing on television. Kamsoth is diabetic and receives treatment from a local medical center. Since January, his left foot has been swollen and showing signs of severe infection. He underwent a wound debridement procedure, but his foot did not heal well, and the wound has reopened. Kamsoth experiences pain and it is difficult for him to walk. When Kamsoth learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled there hoping to undergo treatment. On April 25th, surgeons at CSC will perform a skin graft procedure to allow his foot to heal. Now, Kamsoth needs help raising $487 to fund his procedure and care. Kamsoth shared, "I hope my pain will stop and the wound will heal so I can return to work."

Biniayam is a musically-inclined 17-year-old from Ethiopia. Some of his favorite activities include playing football, the piano, and the keyboard, as well as eating his favorite dish: meat! He comes from a family of seven children. To support their family, his father works as a farmer, and his mother manages their home and cares for her children. Two of his siblings are currently working, and the rest attend school. Biniayam himself finalized his national grade eight examination last summer and passed well! Biniayam was born with hypospadias, a congenital condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and be at risk of infertility. His parents sought medical care for him after he was born, but due to financial constraints, he was not able to receive any treatment. They have since visited other hospitals but have still been unable to receive any help. Biniayam shares that he is worried and concerned about his condition. He mentioned that it not only affects him physically, but also psychologically, causing him to experience stress in many situations. Fortunately, Biniayam is now scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on July 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Biniayam shares, “After the surgery, I hope this will be corrected and I will be confident to bathe in front of other members of the family without any fear. I also hope I won’t fear going to the restroom in public toilets. I hope I will be happy and have children in the future.”

Rosemary is a loving grandmother and a single mother of five children, who have all grown now. Because of Rosemary's medical condition, she has not been able to work and therefore has no current source of income. She is currently staying with her sister who is taking care of her. Four months ago, Rosemary was hit by a car and has been confined to a wheelchair ever since. An X-ray revealed that her femur/thigh bone that connects to the hip socket is broken affecting her mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 14th, Rosemary will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, to help heal her condition and hopefully be able to walk again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure and care. Rosemary shared, "I used to be well, and I could use my legs well. But after the accident, I am just confined to this wheelchair and cannot do anything without help. I hope this treatment will help me get back to my feet.”