Faith is a 24-year-old woman from the Rift valley in Kenya who has had epilepsy since 2018. On December 15th, 2023 she had a convulsive episode and fell on an open flame in her kitchen. She sustained third degree burns on her right arm and was rushed to the nearest hospital. She was admitted for three days and received IV fluids, pain medication, and wound care before going home. Since her injuries did not improve, she went to Kapsowar Hospital and was diagnosed with third degree burns from her right elbow to her hand. She had no sensation in her forearm and fingers, no range of motion of the wrist and elbow, and was experiencing discharge and swelling. She also had exposed tendons and blood clots. Faith was scheduled for a procedure to remove the dead tissue from her arm, then for amputation of her second, third, fourth and fifth fingers in order to salvage the hand. At this point, it was determined she needed a further procedure and skin graft of her arm, along with major reconstruction in order to promote healing. Faith is the youngest in a family of six children. She could not finish her schooling due her epilepsy. Her parents are farmers working on two acres of land growing maize, beans and potatoes to provide for the needs of their children. Faith is not insured since she is over age and not covered by parents’ insurance. Her parents are unable to afford Faith's surgery and they thought she would be covered by the insurance. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,089 to fund Faith's surgery. Faith said, “I have been in a lot of pain especially when having daily dressing changes, please help me so that I get well soon and be free from this pain.”

Oeun is a 19-year-old construction worker who lives with his parents and younger brother. Both of his parents are rice farmers, while Oeun and his brother stopped school when they reached the age of 16 in order to work and help support the family. His younger brother works as a motorbike mechanic, and Oeun recently got a job in construction. On October 10th, Oeun was leaving work on his motorbike when a tuk tuk turned a corner and crashed into him. He was rushed to a nearby clinic for a broken shoulder and the loss of one toe. A couple of days later, Oeun's mother brought him to a traditional healer in the village because of pain and swelling in his right shoulder. Since then, his pain has not improved. He is having difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort, and in performing every day activities, as he is unable to lift his arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 8th, Oeun will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This procedure will unite the fracture, and allow Oeun to move his arm easily again. Oeun shared: "I hope I can move my arm again and go back to work to help my family."

Thon is an 81-year-old retired teacher from Kampong Cham province. He and his wife have two daughters and six grandchildren. He lives with his wife and their youngest daughter, who works as a rice farmer. At home, he likes to listen to the news and the monks praying on the radio. In the evening, he and his wife like to take walks. About two years ago, Thon developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is unable to go places on his own. When Thon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours to get treatment. On April 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Thon and his family are able to contribute $100 but need help to raise $253 to fund the procedure. Thon said, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better, I can go outside by myself and read books again."