Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Davin is 26 years old and a mother of one from Cambodia. She lives in Kampong Speu province with her three-year-old daughter and her elderly mother. Her husband currently works in Korea and sends money home to support the family. Before her injury, she worked in a garment factory to help provide for her household. In her free time, she takes care of household chores and plants vegetables around her home. Two years ago, Davin was involved in a road traffic accident that caused a closed fracture of her right proximal tibia. After the accident, she immediately underwent an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery. Her leg was immobilized in a cast for two weeks, and the stitches were removed during the second week. Over time, her foot gradually became stiff. The metal plates were removed, but she developed an equinus foot deformity, causing her to walk on her tiptoes. This condition makes it difficult for her to walk long distances and causes pain during daily activities. Seeking further help, she traveled two hours to our medical partner's care center, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for evaluation and treatment. At CSC, she will receive specialized care to correct the position of her foot. With proper treatment and recovery, the surgery is expected to help straighten her foot, reduce pain, and allow her to walk more comfortably and return to her daily activities. She can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $482 more to fund her procedure and care. Davin said, “After the surgery, I hope this treatment will help me straighten my foot so I can walk normally again and return to my daily life without pain.”

Farah is 53 years old and a father of eight from Ethiopia. He lives with his family in a refugee camp in Turkana after fleeing instability in search of safety. Despite difficult conditions, he has worked hard to support and care for his family. Last year, Farah fractured his left leg after slipping during heavy rains that flooded the camp. More recently, he was injured again while trying to avoid a motorbike, resulting in a fracture of his right leg. He is now in pain and unable to move freely, leaving him unable to care for his family. Fortunately, on April 17th, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, will perform surgery to repair his fracture. Farah is raising $1,500 to fund the procedure, which will relieve his pain and help him regain mobility. Farah said, “I am unable to walk, and even sitting for long is exhausting. I long to get better and be able to stand and walk again.”