Pi is a 14-year-old boy who lives with his aunt, uncle, grandmother, and nine-year-old cousin in a village in Karen State, Burma. His uncle and aunt are subsistence hillside farmers, and their family has barely enough food. Pi usually helps his aunt with farming and household chores. They receive free basic healthcare at the clinic close to their village. On April 20th, 2024, Pi had climbed a Marian Plum tree to pick some fruits. Unfortunately, he fell from the tree, sustaining an injury to his lower back. Pi's aunt immediately brought him to the local clinic, where he was examined and referred to a hospital for treatment. Following the advice, Pi's aunt promptly took him to the local hospital where the doctor conducted a physical examination, x-ray and ultrasound. He was treated with intravenous infusion and pain medication. After reviewing the assessment results, the doctor diagnosed him with a fracture of two or three spine vertebrae in his lower back. Pi's aunt was informed that Pi might need surgery and was advised to go to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in Thailand, for further treatment. On April 21, 2024, Pi and his aunt arrived at MSH, where the doctor conducted a physical examination and scheduled Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on April 22, 2024. Pi's family is unable to fund the cost and needs your help to raise the $681 required for the procedure. Currently, Pi cannot stand or walk; he has to lie on the bed, and a urinary catheter has also been inserted. He also experiences pain in his lower back. Pi's aunt expressed her gratitude, saying, "I did not know how to manage his injury. I am glad to receive help from the Burma Children's Medical Fund and donors." "Thank you for your assistance." Pi added, "Thank you for helping me with my treatment costs."

John is a quiet 11-year-old boy from Kenya. John's story is a journey of compassion and the unwavering support of a dedicated well-wisher. His origin is drawn back in Tanzania, where he faced the disturbing reality of being disowned by his real parents due to his disability on his feet. John was left helpless in the unfamiliar surroundings of central Kenya. For the past seven years his guardian has stood by his side, offering not just a shelter but also a sense of belonging. John’s chapter started to change when a team of AIC Cure International doctors visited his neighborhood for a mobile clinic. He was reviewed and scheduled for surgery and underwent a successful surgery on his left foot and his left foot has healed well. John still has clubfoot of right foot. He is currently in the hospital to undergo right foot treatment, which involves serial casting to adjust the position of his foot to achieve the desired correction. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Surgeons from our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital are scheduled to now perform clubfoot repair surgery on February 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund John's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Once he heals, John aspires to go back to school and study and one day achieve his dream of becoming a doctor in future. John told us: “I am looking forward to seeing my foot corrected, walking properly, playing football with my friends and continuing with my studies like other children, and achieving my dream of becoming a doctor in future to also impact lives of children born like me."

Curtis is a second grade student from Kenya. Curtis is accompanied by his grandmother at the hospital. He is jovial and inquisitive. Curtis is the only child in his family and is being raised by his grandmother. His mother left him with his grandmother when he was 3 years to work in the Middle East. His father works at a timber yard splitting wood earning an inconsistent income. Curtis was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Curtis has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Curtis will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 5th. AMH is requesting $646 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Curtis' grandmother says: “He needs treatment to be healthy in the future.”