Sotheavy is an 11-year-old student from Cambodia. Her father is a police officer, and her mother works at a grocery shop. She is in Grade 4, and English is her favorite subject. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and reading storybooks. Her favorite foods are sour fish soup and fried pork with vegetables. Sotheavy was born with left torticollis, a condition in which the tight muscle on the left side of her neck causes her head to tilt to the left. The condition has become worse over the past year. She has difficulty bending her neck to the right because of the tight muscle. She also feels shy about her appearance because her head tilts to one side. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sotheavy receive treatment. On October 29th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to loosen the tight muscle in her neck, helping her hold her head straighter and move it more easily. This may also help her feel more comfortable and confident about her appearance. Now, she needs help to fund this $572 procedure. Sotheavy's mother said, “As her mother, I hope the surgery will help straighten my daughter’s neck and make it easier for her to move her head. She often feels shy about her appearance, and I want her to feel more confident, comfortable, and happy with herself as she grows up.”

Felix is a 30-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with one child, and enjoys playing soccer during his free time. Felix values an active life, but for the past seven months, persistent abdominal pain has made it difficult for him to enjoy the life he once knew. Early this year, Felix started experiencing a twisting pain, and burning sensation in his abdomen several times throughout the day. Seeking relief, he visited several clinics, but none provided a lasting solution. After an assessment at a district hospital, he was advised to seek specialized care at a facility that offers surgical services. Recently, Felix made the two-hour journey to Nkhoma Mission Hospital. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area, that occurs due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Felix was informed that he needed surgery, but the cost exceeded what he could afford. Having already spent a significant amount on seeking treatment and transportation, and with limited resources and a family depending on him, he is now seeking support to undergo the surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Felix receive treatment. On September 22nd, he is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery to recover from the painful symptoms, allowing him to return to work, care for his family and go back to his everyday life. Now, Felix needs help to fund this $421 procedure. He says, “I am hoping that after the surgery, I will be free from this pain and able to return to my farm. I want to work hard for my wife and child, provide for my family, and enjoy playing soccer with my friends again. I pray that with this treatment, I can regain my strength and continue building a better future for my family.”

Lida is a 12-year-old Grade 7 student from Cambodia. She lives with her parents and two younger sisters. Her father works as an electrician, while her mother takes care of the household. Her favorite subject is mathematics, and she enjoys reading books and listening to music in her free time. She also likes sour fish soup and fried vegetables. For the past year, Lida has been experiencing daily headaches and a runny nose. Her frequent headaches and runny nose make her uncomfortable and make it difficult for her to concentrate on her studies. She hopes to feel better so she can focus on school and continue working toward her dream of becoming a teacher. Lida was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $345 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Lida, which is scheduled to take place on October 28th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Lida of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Lida's mother said, “I hope that my daughter will feel better after surgery and no longer suffer from frequent headaches. I want her to feel comfortable, focus on her studies, and enjoy her childhood.”