Naf is a second-grader from Ethiopia. This eight-year-old and proud big brother is known for being very smart and loving to learn. For over four years, he has quietly suffered from severe tonsil problems. The symptoms worsened over the past year, interrupting a happy childhood supported by his father, a teacher who helps with his studies, and his mother, who works hard at a hair salon. Every day is a struggle for Naf. He misses a lot of school because of his health. He has trouble sleeping, struggles to breathe, breathes through his mouth during the day, and has speech issues that make it hard to talk to others. His family cares for him deeply, but the mounting medical bills have made it hard to pay for the specialized care he urgently needs. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Naf, which is scheduled to take place on September 26th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Naf of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Naf's parents shared, "We cannot wait to get the surgery done so he can smile and play like the happy, energetic kid he was four years ago."

Believe is a six-month-old and the youngest of six children from Tanzania. His mother works hard to support her children on her own by farming maize. Her earnings are enough to cover lunch and dinner for her family, but little is left to meet additional expenses. Believe was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is turned inward, making it difficult to wear shoes and walk without discomfort. Believe's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, to seek care. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Believe's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his feet will develop properly, allowing him to wear regular shoes and live an active childhood. “I worried that I could not afford treatment for my son. I am grateful that Kafika House has given us hope and the chance for him to grow up able to walk comfortably,” says Believe's mother.

Kong is a 64-year-old widow and mother of three from Cambodia. She lives with her second child, who sells groceries. Kong is retired and enjoys tending to vegetables around her house in her free time. In June 2014, Kong was involved in a bicycle accident that resulted in fractures of her left forearm and elbow. Kong was treated by our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, whose surgeons performed plate fixation and a bone graft. These procedures were successful, and Kong regained good mobility in her arm. However, she still experiences pain when moving her left elbow. Now, surgeons recommend a procedure to remove the metal plate that was implanted during her initial surgery. On September 3rd, Kong will undergo a hardware removal procedure to help reduce the discomfort around her left elbow and make arm movement more comfortable, helping her manage her everyday activities with greater ease. Her family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $353 more to fund his procedure and care. Kong said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain in my elbow and make it easier for me to move my arm. I look forward to feeling more comfortable and being able to carry out my daily activities without the discomfort I have lived with for so long.”