Melab is a teenager from Uganda. She is the second born among five children in her family. Her parents are small-scale farmers, and they try very hard to meet medical bills and pay for school fees for their children. The family earnestly appeals for financial assistance to cover the costs of Melab's surgery. They hope this intervention will not only remove her suffering but also pave the way for her to pursue her dreams of studies. During her free time, Melab enjoys playing with her friends. Melab's education was abruptly interrupted when a stick pierced her in her abdomen. She was rushed to a nearby health center and was referred to another hospital where she underwent extensive abdominal surgery following her injury, including receiving an ostomy. An ostomy is a surgery that changes the way waste exits your body. Six months ago, Melab began to experience troubling symptoms, including stoma complications like prolapse. She was diagnosed with double barrel stomas. Doctors at the facility have recommended a colostomy reversal to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Melab receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a corrective abdominal surgery on November 22nd at our medical partner's care center. This procedure will cost $284, and Melab and her family need your support. Melab's mother says, "I am happy that the condition of my daughter can be reversed, and I hope she will continue with her studies when she recovers."

Leakhena is a nine-month-old baby girl and who lives in Kandal province with her parents, aunt, uncle, and two cousins. While her mother and aunt are home makers, her father and uncle work as electricians. Her two cousins are currently in primary school. At home, Leakhena enjoys drinking milk and porridge, which her mother feeds her. Leakhena was born with lower limb deficiencies, including a right cleft foot, which causes a split or gap in the foot, resulting in two separate parts. She also has a condition on her left foot, an abdominal wall defect, and a right cleft nostril. Additionally, she has skin albinism, which affects her skin pigmentation. Her parents are deeply concerned about Leakhena's health and her ability to walk and engage in daily activities as she grows older. Leakhena and her parents traveled to Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre to receive treatment. On October 16th, she will undergo a TAR (Talipes Adductus Reconstruction) and repair surgery for her right cleft foot to improve her foot's structure and functionality. Leakhena's parents are able to raise $100 of this complex surgery and need help with the remaining $472. This funding will cover the surgery, post-operative care, medication, and rehabilitation. Leakhena's mother says: "My hope is that Leakhena will be able to walk properly when she grows up."

Christina is a young child from Tanzania. She is the youngest in a family of three children. Unfortunately, Christina's father passed way. This left Christina's mother with three children to support without a job. She started a small business of cooking food in local hotel to support her children. Christina was diagnosed with genu varus. Her legs are bent outwards at the knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she experiences discomfort after walking for a short distance. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Christina. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 10. Treatment will hopefully restore Christina's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Christian’s mother says, “ Please help my daughter. My financial state is not good; I am unable to afford the surgery cost.”

25-year-old Kristine has a happy and outgoing personality. She lives in the Philippines with her mother, and she is loved by her family and fellow church members. She also loves to sing and dance with the other children in their church and community. If the church has an activity, she eagerly offers herself to help with any chores in the activity area. Kristine was born with congenital clubfoot, a condition that impacts her gait. Our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), explains: "Kristine has difficulty in walking because of her left foot deformity. She also has seizure disorder but it is currently managed with medication. Her mother said that she was frequently teased by her classmates when she was still in elementary school because of the way she walked. Since then, she has not joined school; and everyday, she wishes that she could go back even in her age." Treatment for Kristine will cost $1,211, and consists of a surgery to correct her deformity give her a balanced gait, as well as boost her self esteem. It will also fulfill her wishes to go back to school if time and situation permits. Kristine's family was unable to have Kristine undergo surgery earlier because of lack of finances. At their pre-operative interview with ICM, Kristine's mother shared: "I really hope that my child can get treatment. We want to see her well and live normally, but we could not make it happen. She even stopped schooling to avoid bullies because we don't want to see her have emotional pains. We are praying that there could be someone that could help her."

Euridah (pictured above with her favorite toy) is a little girl with club foot so severe it can only be treated through surgery. Doctors have tried to use the “Ponseti method” – a technique that attempts to correct the deformity without invasive surgery – without success. Euridah’s legs are turned inward so sharply that, without treatment, she’ll never walk normally. Euridah’s mother is optimistic about her daughter’s future. Like every mother, she wants her daughter to do well in school, find a meaningful job one day, and have a family. Unfortunately, in Zambia, the majority of the population lives on less than $2 a day. It’s all too common that a congenital, treatable condition like Euridah’s would completely derail her life. We can prevent that from happening. By raising the $1000 needed to cover the cost of Euridah’s surgery at CURE, we can make sure she gets the medical care she needs to have an equal chance at a happy, normal life.