Kena is eight-year-old energetic boy from Ethiopia. Kena is in the second grade and lives with his parents and his sister, but lately, his presence at school has been missed due to recurring bouts of tonsillitis. This chronic condition has temporarily sidelined him, pausing both his education and playtime. Two years ago, Kena began experiencing snoring, fever and recurring sore throats. This creates a difficult cycle of sick days that keeps him out of class and fun, active games he should be playing with his sister. He also experiences high fevers that keep coming back and a sharp, burning pain whenever he tries to swallow. This makes eating and drinking a daily struggle, often leaving him feeling completely exhausted and without energy. Kena was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Thankfully, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital can help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kena, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kena of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Kena says "I am so excited for the opportunity to get back to school and play with my friends. I really miss eating the snacks I love! Because of my tonsils, swallowing feels like a sharp fire, which makes eating feel like hard work. I know my mom and dad are worried, and I think the best part for them will be seeing me smile and run around with all my energy again."

Hervens is a 17-year-old high-school student from Haiti. He lives in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince with his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. His parents are both small-scale vendors. Hervens is in his second year of high school and likes art and literature. Hervens has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. Hervens needs fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On June 23rd, he will undergo heart surgery, during which doctors will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is contributing to pay for surgery. Hervens's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Hervens's family overseas. Hervens says: "I am looking forward to having more energy, and to being stronger after my surgery!"

Chhorn is a 64-year-old vegetable seller from Cambodia. She is married and lives with her husband and youngest child, who works as a chef. Her six children are all married and living with their own families in other provinces. To support her family, she sells vegetables at a local market. In her free time, she enjoys planting vegetables around her home. Ten months ago, Chhorn slipped and fell from a bed, causing a fracture of her right forearm. After the injury, she underwent surgery at a private hospital, where doctors inserted hardware into her right radius to stabilize the fracture and help it heal properly. Although the fracture has healed, she continues to experience pain when lifting, carrying, or grasping heavy objects. She also has occasional stiffness in her right arm, which makes it difficult to perform some daily activities and work comfortably as a vegetable seller. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 12th, Chhorn will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will help reduce her pain and stiffness, improve the function of her right arm, and allow her to lift and carry objects more comfortably. This treatment will help her return to her daily activities and work with greater ease. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $278 more to fund her procedure and care. Chhorn said, “I hope this surgery will relieve the pain and stiffness in my arm. I want to be able to lift and carry things comfortably again and return to my daily activities without discomfort. I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive this treatment.”