Chhai Ya is a friendly 6-year-old boy from Cambodia. He and his parents and older brother live in Kandal province; his parents are both construction workers. In school, he likes to hear stories from Khmer literature, and at home, he likes to play with his brother or jump rope. His favorite meal is ice cream. Chhai Ya's right foot was burned in a fire at home when he was nine months old. After the burn healed, the skin on his foot retracted and bent his toes. The joints have become partially dislocated, and it is painful, as well as very difficult for him to walk or run normally. Chhai Ya and his family traveled one and half hours to our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) to seek treatment. On February 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him walk easily and keep up with his friends. His family has contributed $75 to the cost of the surgery, but needs help raising an additional $495 to fully fund his procedure and care. His mother said, "I hope Chhai Ya's foot will look better than before and he can walk and run like other children."

Bokosi is a 43-year-old father from Chimaliza Village, Lilongwe District, Malawi. He is the last born in a family of 14 children and has four children in primary school. Bokosi depends on growing maize and groundnuts, as well as selling charcoal, to support his family. For four years, Bokosi has been experiencing swelling on the right side of his scrotum. He never thought of seeking medical help until the swelling became painful; he decided to seek help at a nearby health center in his area, where he was prescribed drugs, but to no avail. Bokosi then decided to visit Nkhoma Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia and was scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery. Due to a lack of funds, Bokosi was referred to the SAFE program with a pledge to pay what he could afford. On May 9th, Bokosi is scheduled for hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner African Mission Healthcare. This condition has had a negative impact on Bokosi’s life as he is unable to work on his farm and business due to the pain brought on by the condition. Treatment will free Bokosi of the pain and prevent complications that can arise if the condition is left untreated, such as strangulation, which can be life-threatening. Boksi needs your help to fund this $500 procedure. Bokosi says, "Thank you for this opportunity. I am looking forward to a full recovery after treatment."

Isaac is a bright 18-year-old student from Uganda and the fourth child in his family of seven. He stays with his guardian, who is currently helping with his school fees. Isaac's parents are small-scale farmers and unable to afford the cost of his surgery needs. About seven months ago, Isaac developed a small, painless swelling on his forehead that he hoped would disappear with time. However, the mass has been increasing in size, and Isaac is concerned about future complications. Fortunately, he traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On May 10th, surgeons will remove the mass. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $145 to fund this procedure. Isaac said: “I pray for a successful surgery. I want to look normal again. I will continue with education after recovery for a bright future.”