Evance is a four-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of two children. His mother passed away two weeks after his birth, leaving his father as the sole caregiver. His father works as a motorcycle taxi driver and has limited income, but is committed to securing treatment so that Evance can walk comfortably, play freely, and enjoy a healthy childhood. Evance was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. This has caused progressive inward bending of his knees. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Evance began experiencing pain and fatigue when walking even short distances. Despite this, he remains active, playful, and attends preschool. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Evance. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Evance's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Evance's father says, “When he walks long distances, he complains of pain and gets tired quickly, even though he wants to play and move like other children. I have hope that with his treatment, he will be well enough to play comfortably with the rest of the children.”

Pov is a determined 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his parents and is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom are married. His father sells drinking water, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is currently studying in Grade 11 and enjoys physics. He dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. His favorite meals are soups, especially those with lots of vegetables, and he enjoys playing football with his friends in his free time. Eleven months ago, Pov sustained electrical burns to both hands in an accident. As the wounds healed, severe scar contractures developed, affecting the right first finger webspace and the left fifth finger. The scar contractures have tightened the skin and limited movement in both hands. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects, hold items properly, and write his school lessons. He also feels self-conscious about the appearance of his scars and often hides them by wearing long sleeves. Pov sought treatment with our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On May 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve hand movement and restore better function. This treatment will help him write more easily, hold objects comfortably, and regain confidence in using his hands for daily activities and school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $627 more to fund his procedure and care. Pov said, “I hope this surgery will help my hands move normally again so I can write my lessons easily, hold things without difficulty, and feel confident without needing to hide my scars anymore.”

Kanhara is a 38-year-old mother of two and a factory worker from Kandal Province, Cambodia. She lives with her husband and their two children. Her husband works in a factory, her eldest child repairs motorcycles, while her youngest child is in Grade 8. In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her family, doing household chores, and planting vegetables around her home. In April 2025, Kanhara was involved in a road traffic accident that caused a fracture of the middle shaft of her right upper arm. After the injury, she sought treatment from a traditional Khmer healer, but the fracture did not heal properly. She experiences ongoing pain in her right arm and is unable to lift or use it normally. The injury makes it difficult for her to work, perform household tasks, and carry out daily activities independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 2nd, Kanhara will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $592. Surgeons will perform fixation with a plate and screws, along with bone grafting to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure will help reduce pain, improve arm strength and function, and allow her to return to work and daily activities more comfortably. Kanhara said, “I hope this surgery will help my arm heal well so I can use it normally again, work without pain, and continue supporting my family.”