Asha is a 9-year-old student from Tanzania who is determined to pursue an education and achieve her dreams. She lives with her parents and five siblings. Her parents are subsistence farmers, cultivating crops primarily for their family's consumption. They have struggled to make ends meet and occasionally rely on day-to-day jobs in other households when they are not farming. Due to their limited financial resources, they have been unable to seek medical treatment for Asha, who has experienced her left leg bowing outwards since she began walking. Asha was diagnosed with genu valgus. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. On May 26th, Asha will undergo surgery to restore her mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund Asha's surgery. Asha's mother said, "I can't wait for the day that my daughter will walk without a limp. The day she won't have to worry about her leg limiting her on what she wants to do and achieve."

Ly Huor is a 19 month-old toddler who lives in Pursat province with his grandparents. His grandmother is his main caretaker as his mom and dad work factory jobs several hours away. They are able to visit Ly Huor every few weekends. At home, Ly Huor likes playing with the kids in the village and eating soup. In December 2022, his right hand was burned when he accidentally put his hand into a pot of hot rice porridge. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his burn. He has difficulty holding objects and playing with toys. When Ly Huor's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On September 14th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to help him to use his hand easily again. Now, his family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. His grandmother shared, "I hope he can use his hand again and play with the other kids."

Mercy is a two-month-old baby who is the only child of two loving parents. Mercy's mother stays at home with her, while her father is a small-scale farmer and cattle breeder. Mercy has clubfoot on her left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Mercy traveled to visit our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, where surgeons will perform her clubfoot repair surgery on March 17th. Now African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $935 to fund Mercy's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk easily and live a life free from mobility constraints. Mercy’s mother says, “I hope that our daughter’s future will not be affected by the condition she is born with.”

Sayuni, who is 4 years old, lives with her mother and two siblings in Tanzania. Sayuni's mother sells local bites like buns and Vitumbua- coconut rice pancakes- by the roadside to try and make ends meet. Sayuni was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, which causes her legs to bow outward at the knees. This condition is 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, Sayuni has a difficult time walking and playing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Sayuni. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Sayuni's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Sayuni’s mother says: “I have hope that my daughter will be able to walk better after the treatment.”

Mana, a 14-year-old from Cambodia, is a loving son and brother. His father is not involved in the family, and Mana stopped attending school to help support his mom at home. Mana is a rice farmer, and his mom sells home-grown vegetables at their local market with the help of Mana's sister. When Mana is not looking after the rice paddies, he likes to play football with his friends! When Mana was seven years old, he was playing with his friend in the kitchen when he fell into a wood fire where his mother was cooking, causing him to burn his left hand and fingers. They could not afford care at that time. After the burn healed, the skin around his fingers retracted and bent his fingers. Skin contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his burn, and one of his finger joints has become partially dislocated. Mana experiences pain and cannot move his fingers or hold objects in his hand. When Mana learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for one and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 12th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve the function of his hand and fingers. Now, he needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Mana and his family contributed $100 to his care. Mana's mother shared: " I hope Mana's fingers can be straightened and he can work easier."

Saw Htoo is an 11-year-old boy from Burma who lives with his parents, 4 brothers and a sister in a refugee camp, in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. His parents fled to the camp from Karen State, Burma, due to the civil war in 2010. Saw Htoo is in grade 4 and his favorite subject is English. His father used to work as a day laborer before travel restrictions were imposed on camp residents after the outbreak of covid-19. Since then, both of Saw Htoo’s parents are homemakers. Although they receive a small monthly cash card to purchase food in the camp, as well as free basic health care and education, they struggle to make ends meet. For the past 5 years, Saw Htoo has been brought frequently to the hospital in the camp due to having urine in his blood. He has also experienced pain while going to the bathroom, developed a fever and pain in his bladder area. He received an ultrasound, an x-ray of his kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB) and an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and was diagnosed with a renal stone in his right renal pelvis. At a follow-up appointment in August 2023, he received another IVP which indicated that the stone was increasing in size and doctors recommended Saw Htoo have surgery to remove the stone. Saw Htoo has been experiencing pain in his back, and he often needs to take leave from school because of the pain. Fortunately, our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) can help. Saw Htoo is scheduled for surgery on September 8th, and BCMF is asking for help to raise $1,500 to fund the procedure. Saw Htoo said, “I want to become a football player [in the future] because I love to play football.”

Dina is an 11 year-old fifth grader, living in a coastal province of Cambodia with his parents and two siblings. His father works as a rice farmer, and his mother recently got a job in a clothing factory. When he was a year old, Dina accidentally put his right hand into a pot of boiling rice. Since then, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin on his hand and fingers. As a result, it is difficult for him to perform daily activities, such as writing, and playing games with his friends. Dina and his family traveled for six hours to seek treatment. On September 6th, surgeons from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will perform burn contracture release surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will improve the function of Dina's hand. Now he needs your help to fund this $495 procedure. Dina said he hopes that his fingers can bend more easily, and that he will be able to do better in school.

Emelyn is a 34-year-old mother of two from the Philippines. She works as a health worker, while her husband works as a traffic enforcer. In May 2022, during her pregnancy, she noticed a palpable mass in her left breast. After a few months, she experienced frequent bouts of pain in the area. She was advised to consult a surgeon. Following an assessment, it was recommended that she undergo an operation to remove the mass and have a biopsy. Due to potential threats to her pregnancy, the operation was deferred. In December 2022, one month postpartum, she was advised to undergo an ultrasound to assess the progress of her condition and have a biopsy. Unfortunately, Emelyn has now been diagnosed with breast cancer. Without treatment, the cancer may spread to other organs. A mastectomy, a surgery to remove breast tissue, has been suggested to rid her body of breast cancer and to prevent the cancer from metastasizing (spreading to other sites in the body). Fortunately, our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) is helping Emelyn receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a mastectomy on August 12th. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is requesting help to raise $1,058 to cover the remaining cost. After treatment, Emelyn will hopefully return to a cancer-free life. Emelyn shared, "Thank you, Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines! Thank you for having a good heart and being willing to help people. You are a testimony that God truly provides."

Fabriana is a very happy 14-month-old baby girl from the highlands of Kenya, where her parents are small-scale farmers. She lives with them, her older sibling, and her grandparents in a semi-permanent house where her parents plant vegetables for sale. Fabriana has an umbilical protrusion that causes her pain, especially after she eats. Her family brought her to a clinic that prescribed her medication, but her condition worsened. Fabriana stopped eating regularly and has not been as playful as before. Her worried mother brought her to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, for further diagnosis. Surgeons there will perform surgery on March 27th to alleviate her symptoms. Now, African Mission Healthcare is asking for $737 to help support this treatment. Fabriana’s mother said,”I am so uncomfortable when my baby cries with pain because of the hernia. Lately, she has not been eating well, and her weight has gone down. Kindly help her so that she may grow in a good way.”

Lucy, a 3-year-old girl, is shy with a heart full of joy. As the third and youngest child in her family, Lucy brings delight to her loved ones. Her mother shared that Lucy enjoys singing, spending time with her friends, engaging in playful activities, and assisting with household chores. Lucy's father is a farmer, while her mother oversees the household. During our medical partner's encounter with Lucy at the Nyahururu clinic, she was accompanied by her mother, who expressed concerns about a leg deformity. Her mother mentioned that Lucy has recently been limping and frequently complains of pain when walking and playing with her friends. Lucy was diagnosed with clubfoot on the right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Lucy's family visited our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on July 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, requests $1,286 to fund Lucy's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she can walk without pain, continue her education and play with friends. "It would bring me joy to have Lucy walking and playing like other children," Lucy's mother told us.

Bahati is a 14-year-old girl in grade 8. She is expected to sit for her primary school national exams this year. Bahati is the second born in a family of four children. Her father passed away six years ago. Her mother is the family’s only breadwinner and works whenever she can to get jobs washing clothes for people around her community. On July 4th, Bahati was hit by a speeding motorbike as she was coming home from school. She was left unconscious and rushed to a nearby facility by well-wishers. She had an x-ray and a CT scan that revealed a fractured bone in her right leg. The fracture is affecting her studies and mobility. It is difficult for her to walk, and she cannot ambulate without support. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. On July 25th, Bahati will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help her walk easily again, and she can return to school. AMH is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Bahati's mother says, “This child is a candidate who should be in school studying. This injury has caused her not to go to school because she cannot walk. We pray that she gets treatment so that she can continue with her studies."

Vireak Thet is a happy two-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and grandmother. His mom stays at home to care for him, and his dad works as a motorbike taxi driver. To supplement their income, his grandma sells ice cream from a cart in front of their home. Vireak Thet loves playing with the other children in the neighborhood, and eating ice cream from his grandma's cart. Last year, Vireak Thet accidentally burned his right hand with hot cooking oil. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his index and middle fingers. It is difficult for him to use his hand for every day activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help Vireak Thet. On August 9th, surgeons at CSC's care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to improve the function of his hand. Now, his family needs help to fund this $495 procedure. His mom shared, "I hope he can move his fingers freely and be able to use his hand when he starts school."

Thida is a friendly 2-year-old toddler. She has three older siblings, 17- and 14-year-old sisters and a 9-year-old brother. The children live with their rice farming parents in Prey Veng province. While her siblings attend school, she stays home with her mother. She enjoys fried chicken, and likes to watch cartoons on her mother's phone. In 2022 when Thida was learning to walk, she put her right hand in a fire, burning her fingers. She has developed a burn contracture scar on her wrist and fourth and fifth fingers. Children are often at increased risk for serious burn injuries because they have thinner skin than adults. Because of her scars, Thida is not able to use her two fingers or hold anything in her hand. When Thida's parents learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled 2 hours seeking treatment. On August 14th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve her grasp in that hand. Thida's parents are able to contribute towards the cost of the surgery and need help raising $495 to fully fund the procedure. Her mother said, "After surgery, I hope that Thida can hold things and her fingers will look normal."

Mey Horng is a 19-month-old toddler from Cambodia who lives in Prey Veng province with his parents and older sister. Both of his parents work in a nearby clothing factory, and his sister attends first grade in the local elementary school. Mey Horng's favorite things are playing with toy cars, running around with his sister, and drinking milk. In December 2022, Mey Horng accidentally put his hand in a pot of boiling rice. During the healing process, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his burn and fusing three of his fingers together on his left hand. It is difficult for him to use his hand and his parents are worried he won't develop his fine motor skills. When Mey Horng's parents learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled two hours seeking treatment. On August 3rd, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve his hand function. Mey Horng's parents are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of the surgery and need help with the remaining $495 to fully fund the procedure. His mom shared, "I hope my son can use his hand again so I don't worry anymore."

Nageli is an 11-year-old girl, living in a small, remote village in Ngorongoro, Tanzania. She is a diligent student, currently attending primary school. While she aspires to become a nurse, she and her family - her parents and two siblings - live within the confines of a Maasai society, so that her family’s sustenance and income revolve around livestock husbandry. When Nageli was five years old, her mother entrusted her to retrieve a flask of hot tea from the kitchen. On her way back to her mother, Nageli stumbled, spilling the hot tea onto her neck. Due to their village's remoteness, and the absence of a nearby health center, the family administered first aid at home. Because proper wound care wasn't available, Nageli endured a prolonged healing process. While traditional remedies were employed, her wound persisted for three to four months. During an outreach visit to their village, a team from our medical partner encountered Nageli, and informed her parents about a potential treatment for their daughter’s condition. With the aid of their church community, Nageli and her father undertook the journey to our medical partner's facility, hoping to find a solution for the burn scar contractures that have developed, stiffening Nageli's neck, and limiting her neck's range of motion. Fortunately, African Mission Healthcare is helping Nageli receive treatment. On August 16th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to ease the stiffness in Nageli's neck, which will improve her range of motion. Now, her family needs your help to fund this $639 procedure. Nageli says: “I wish to walk and have fun again with my friends while going for long walks to fetch water and firewood.”

Three year old Tilian is the youngest of the 12 children in his family. They all live in a remote village in the Kiteto Manyara region of Tanzania. The family resides in a communal boma, consisting of small mud houses, which are just enough to accommodate them all. Tilian's parents are small farmers who depend on agriculture and livestock for sustenance and income. However, their region has been plagued by prolonged dry seasons, leading to the death of cattle and reduced harvests. As the sole provider for the family, the father has been compelled to seek day jobs to support them. Unfortunately, his income falls short of meeting the most basic necessities for their family. In September 2022, while Tilian was playing with his friends, he inadvertently came into contact with a stove, and accidentally knocked over a container of hot water. This resulted in Tilian sustaining severe burns to his arms and chest. His injuries were extensive, and Tilian was brought to the nearest dispensary for immediate first aid and wound care. After the initial treatment, Tilian was discharged and sent home with instructions for caring for the wounds, because the dispensary lacked the resources to continue caring for him. The burns on Tilian's hands took more than two months to heal, while the one on his chest required even more time for proper recovery. In March 2023, Tilian was brought to our medical partner's center. The medical team thoroughly assessed his condition, and told his parents about the availability of visiting doctors who specialize in treating similar cases. Initiating a daily wound care regimen, the medical team began to attend to Tilian’s needs. However, Tilian's father struggled to afford the transportation for multiple trips to the center. As a result, the family had to make the difficult decision to leave Tilian at the facility as a resident, while he underwent his wound care, and awaited treatment at the plastic surgery clinic. During a plastic surgery clinic this month, Tilian was evaluated by visiting surgeons. The proposed course of action is surgery to facilitate the healing of the wound on his chest. Additionally, the doctors will need to address the burn scar contractures that have developed, tightening the skin around his arm. His parents are appealing for help to ensure their son receives the proper and necessary treatment for his wounds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tilian receive treatment. On August 15th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enable him to use his hand with ease. With continued care, the wound on his chest will heal completely, preventing any further risk of infection, and allowing Tilian to lead a normal life as he grows. Now, his family needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Tilian’s father says: “We hope for his improvement, which would reduce the concerns about the risk of infection in his wound and allow him to play freely with his friends.”

Noah is a 3-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the second-to-last child in a family of 4 children. His family resides in a remote village known in Simanjiro, Tanzania. Noah’s mother is a homemaker and also assists her husband with agricultural activities, given that farming is their primary source of sustenance and income. Noah takes pleasure in helping others and enjoys solving puzzles alongside his friends. When Noah was merely eight months old, he was crawling around the house and ventured into the kitchen alone, just as his mother was occupied with washing chores. Inadvertently, he encountered a pan which slipped from the stove, causing hot water to spill onto the left side of his body, resulting in severe burns on his left armpit and elbow. Noah’s parents swiftly transported him to the nearest medical facility for urgent treatment. After receiving initial first aid, he was subsequently discharged with instructions for proper wound care. Despite these efforts, his wounds took two months to fully heal. Even after healing, noticeable damage to the skin remained on his left axilla (armpit) and elbow, which subsequently restricted the range of motion in his left arm, leading to his discomfort while crawling. The gravity of the situation became apparent to Noah’s parents, who were initially unaware of the necessity for further medical intervention to enhance their son’s quality of life. Noah was diagnosed with burn scar contractures affecting his left axilla and elbow. The contractures tighten the skin around the arm such that he is unable to use his hand without discomfort. Recognizing the significance of their son’s well-being, Noah’s parents humbly seek assistance to ensure he receives the requisite treatment to enhance his quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) is helping Noah receive treatment. On August 14th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enable him to use his hand with ease and improve his quality of life. AMH needs help raising $874 to fund the procedure. Noah’s father says, “We are excited for his treatment as this condition has made him less interactive with his peers, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome from the treatment."

Four year old Neserian lives with his family in a village in the Manyara region of Tanzania. The family has long depended upon agriculture and livestock keeping to sustain them. However, climate change has shadowed their agricultural activities, rendering them increasingly unreliable. Consequently, Neserian’s father has turned to selling cattle to support his household. But drought has led to the cattle being unable to feed properly, so that they fetch considerably less money at the market. Neserian's father works hard to meet the needs of his family. In October 2022, Neserian was alone at home, when he ventured too close to an open flame. His clothing caught fire, and he suffered burns to his right elbow and wrist. The neighbors came to his aid, and when his mother returned home, she brought him to a local hospital for care. Neserian remained at the hospital for a month. Despite the care that he received, Neserian has only a limited range of motion of his right arm. Sadly, the local hospital lacks the resources to address this. Neserian and his father traveled for nine hours to consult with doctors from our medical partner's care center the Plaster House NGO. After a thorough assessment, it was determined that Neserian would need to undergo a Z-plasty procedure, to release his right axilla and elbow, along with a full thickness skin graft on his right hand. The pinky on his right hand will need to be amputated. The surgical procedures are set for August 15th but the cost of treatment is beyond the means of Neserian's family, prompting them to appeal for your assistance in covering the $1,088 needed for Neserian's care. After he has healed completely, Neserian will be able to use his hand, and lead a full life, free from disability. Neserian’s father says: “We wish for him to be able to use his hand because he is about to start school, and we are worried it will be hard for him as his right hand is the one affected.”

Giovani is a one-year-old boy who lives with his parents and one older sibling. His mother works as a local roadside vendor, selling fruits, and his father, who is unemployed, is making dedicated efforts to secure a job to support his family. In addition to his job search, he has taken up poultry farming, involving the production and sale of chickens and eggs, so that he can contribute to the family's income. In April 2023, Giovani, while exploring alone in the kitchen, came upon a pot of hot soup. He immersed both of his arms in the pot, and sustained severe burns on his hands. His parents rushed him to the local hospital, where Giovani stayed for the next two months, while he received treatment for his wounds. Although he was eventually discharged after his wounds had healed, Giovani's hands had sustained significant skin damage. Despite facing financial constraints, Giovani’s father remained determined to find a solution for his child’s condition. While inquiring about a suitable location to receive treatment for his son, he encountered the parents of one of our former patients, who directed him to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare and the Plaster House. Following a thorough evaluation, the medical team diagnosed Giovani with burn scar contractures, affecting both of his hands. Four months later, Giovani was evaluated by a plastic surgeon, who devised a surgical treatment plan to address Giovani's inability to use his fingers to grasp objects - a result of the burn contractures. Giovani's parents are reaching out to you for assistance, to ensure that their son receives the appropriate medical care he requires. Fortunately, African Mission Healthcare is helping Giovani receive the care that he needs. On August 16th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery, to improve his hands’ functionality and appearance. Now, their family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Giovani’s father says: “I wish to see my son enjoying playing with his toys. We hope this treatment will be a big change from his current situation.”

Linah, a baby girl from Arusha, was born with clubfoot, a condition characterized by the foot being twisted out of shape. To provide her with an opportunity for a healthy and active life, medical intervention is necessary. Unfortunately, her parents, who are self-employed, are unable to shoulder the financial weight of her treatment. Linah's mother earns a living by selling vegetables at the local market, while her father supports the family through small-scale farming. Despite their modest income, they are determined to provide the best possible future for their children. Linah has an older brother who is just one year old, and her parents are acutely aware of the potential lifelong consequences of untreated clubfoot. They believe that pursuing early treatment will allow Linah to grow up without enduring any disabilities or the social impact. Her father's personal experience influenced the decision to bring Linah to our medical partner's care center: Plaster House. He was also once treated at the facility, and the positive outcome of his treatment has instilled confidence in their family regarding Plaster House's expertise and commitment to providing quality care. Linah's mother wishes to see her daughter receive the same level of treatment and care that her spouse received in the past. However, due to the family's limited financial resources, they cannot afford the costs associated with Linah's treatment. Thankfully, Linah had the opportunity to visit Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, our medical partner's care center. On June 13th, skilled surgeons will perform a clubfoot repair surgery for her. Our medical partner is seeking $935 to cover the costs of Linah's treatment. Following the intervention, she will be able to lead a rewarding life without the burdens imposed by clubfoot. Linah’s mother says, "I wish for my daughter to get good care and the best treatment that will give her a chance to live a life free from disability."

Ly Huor is an inquisitive 18-month-old toddler from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and three older brothers in Phnom Penh province. His father is a taxi driver and his mother is a homemaker. His brother are all in public school and he stays home with his mother - they hope he can start school as he grows too. Ly Huor enjoys eating rice soup, playing with toys, watching cartoons, and playing with his siblings. In February, Ly Huor's right hand was burned when he placed it in a fire. His mother took him to a local clinic for wound care, but the dressing was soon removed by his mother because it irritated him. Normally, during the healing process, the body attempts to repair the damaged skin by forming new collagen fibers, which are the building blocks of scar tissue. Collagen is laid down in a somewhat disorganized manner, and it doesn't have the same elasticity and flexibility as normal skin. Therefore, when Ly Huor's finger developed scar tissue, it caused the skin on his index finger to contract and tighten. Burn scar contractures have developed on his index finger. He is unable to straighten his finger, which makes it difficult for him to grasp objects. When his mother tries to stretch his finger, he cries out in pain. On July 28th, surgeons at our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to release the scar tissue and restore mobility to his fingers. Ly Huor's family is able to contribute $25 to the cost of the surgery and they are asking for help to raise $495 to fully fund the procedure. His mother said, "We are worried that Ly Huor will not be able to use his hand like his brothers. We hope the doctors can fix his fingers so he can attend school with the other children when he is older."

Lay is a 29-year-old mother from Thailand. She lives with her husband, son, uncle, aunt and two cousins in a refugee camp. Originally from Karen State, Burma, they fled to the refugee camp in March 2023 due to airstrikes in their village. Lay is a homemaker; her husband, uncle and aunt are unemployed, while her son is in preschool. One of her cousins is a teacher, while the other one is a student. During her free time, Lay enjoys weaving Karen shirts and bags for her family, as well as occasionally to sell. She also enjoys raising chickens and pigs and foraging vegetables in the forest. Lay is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section (C-section) because she gave birth previously through a C-section. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) is helping Lay undergo a C-section scheduled on August 11th. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Lay and BCMF are asking for your support to fund the surgery. Lay shared, "I want to stay in the refugee camp. If I have the opportunity to do so, I would love to be resettled in another country.”

Mekides is a 2-year-old toddler and the youngest of four who lives with her family in Ethiopia. Her father is a traditional farmer, while her mother is a homemaker. She loves milk, playing ball, and laughing with her mom and dad. She feels so happy when her dad brings home a new pair of shoes and a dress for her. Mekides was born with a birth defect called Hirschprung disease. She has an abnormally functioning segment of her bowel. This condition has been a struggle for the family to cope with. Mekides previously underwent a colostomy creation and now needs a colonic pull-through, where the diseased section of her intestine will be removed and the healthy portion will be pulled down. Doctors with our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) will perform this surgery on July 25th and are requesting $1,500 to fully fund the procedure. This surgery will help Mekides thrive with the other children in her village. Mekides' dad said “After her treatment, I believe she will heal. I will not give her the duty to do labour work as other girls have in my area. But I will educate her. I will work hard to upgrade her life and give her a quality life. I gave her to God, believing God will lead her to a better future.”