Tennyson is a playful 11-year-old boy from Kenya. He is currently in grade 3 and loves drawing and playing with friends. His father is a construction worker, while his mother is a home maker. Tennyson has clubfoot of right foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. Tennyson was also born with a hearing impairment. His mother first noticed that his right foot was bending when he was three years old. “He struggled to walk and would often complain of pain, and as he grew, it only got worse,” she recalls. They sought help at a nearby hospital but were informed that the condition could not be treated there. With no clear solution, they returned home. As time passed, the condition worsened. The pain increased, Tennyson's foot began to swell, and walking became more difficult. Eventually, Tennyson had to stop going to school because he could no longer walk. One of his teachers grew concerned and reached out to the family. After learning about Tennyson’s condition, the teacher informed his mother about a mobile clinic by AIC CURE Hospital, where Tennyson could undergo a review. At the clinic, Tennyson was assessed and scheduled for serial casting and a clubfoot surgery. He has been undergoing the casting and is now ready for the repair surgery, which has been scheduled for May 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Tennyson's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his foot will gradually straighten and restore his ability to walk. Tennyson's mother says: “I am praying that his foot will be straightened, so that he can walk without pain, go back to school, and live like other children.”

Punleu is a 17-year-old Grade 11 student from Cambodia. He lives in Kampot Province with his parents and younger brother, who is in Grade 8. His father works as a construction contractor, and his mother stays at home to manage household duties and take care of their orange farm. Punleu enjoys studying Khmer literature. In his free time, he likes listening to music and playing volleyball with his friends in the village. He hopes to become an agricultural specialist in the future. In December 2024, Punleu was in in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right lower leg. He was treated at a provincial hospital where he underwent ORIF surgery with plate and screw fixation of the leg. Since the surgery, he has been experiencing pain when walking long distances and stiffness in his right leg during cold weather, which affects his daily activities and mobility. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 18th, Punleu will undergo a hardware removal procedure to reduce pain and stiffness and improve his walking ability and overall comfort. Punleu's family is contributing to his surgery, but they need to raise an additional $303 for the procedure. Punleu says, “After the surgery, I hope I will be able to walk better without pain, regain my strength and confidence, and return to my normal daily life, studies, and activities without any limitation.”

Ben is a 77-year-old retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. He has four sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren. Presently, he lives with his aging wife, and the couple gets support from their children. Ben likes to join ceremonies at the pagoda. About one year ago, Ben 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, so it 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 not able to go places on his own. When Ben learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 6th, 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. Ben and his family are contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but need help raising $213 more to fund the surgery. He says, "I hope that after surgery my eye will see better, and I won't have to worry when I wish to join the ceremonies at the pagoda."