Rodas is a four-year-old boy who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and younger brother. His father is a hardworking doctor who works hard to provide for his family and help sick people, and his mother is a stay-at-home mother. About one year ago, Rodas began to experience the symptoms of tonsillitis, which makes it difficult for him to breathe normally, and sleep well. His parents first noticed that he was snoring heavily, and often breathed through this mouth instead of his nose. The continued lack of sleep has been difficult for Rodas and his family, as he is often tired and emotional. Because Rodas's tonsillitis is failing to resolve on its own, doctors are recommending surgery to remove his tonsils. Without surgery, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify. Doctors are also worried that the constant sleep deprivation will affect Rodas's growth and quality of life, and that the mouth breathing will affect the development of his jaw and face. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Rodas, which is scheduled to take place on September 20th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Rodas of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. His parents say, "We hope that Rodas can finally sleep soundly through the night, without loud snoring or trouble breathing. We also hope that he can enjoy a healthy, happy childhood."

Dina is an 18-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is the second of four siblings. His older brother is a construction worker, his sister works in a garment factory, and his youngest brother is just three years old. In his free time, he helps his family with farming work in the fields. Dina was born with a unilateral incomplete cleft lip and cleft palate. He underwent surgery for his cleft lip and palate, but there is still a gap in his gums that affects his eating, speaking, and the symmetry of his face. Dina needs surgery to close the gap. Fortunately, Dina visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for further treatment. There, surgeons will perform an alveolar bone graft procedure on June 19th. This procedure will help close the gap and support proper eruption of the permanent teeth in the upper jaw. This will improve his ability to chew food more effectively, enhance speech clarity, and support better dental alignment. It will also improve facial appearance and help boost his self-confidence in social interactions and daily life. His family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $615 more to fund his procedure and care. Dina said, “I hope that with treatment, I will be able to improve my teeth and bite properly, speak more clearly, and smile with confidence without feeling shy about my appearance.”

Ximena is a 10-year-old student from Colombia. She is a loving, caring, cheerful, and respectful girl who is dedicated to her studies and loves spending time with family and friends. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher because she likes helping others succeed in their studies. Ximena has had an epigastric hernia, or a protrusion of tissue in her upper abdominal area, for many years. This condition causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially during physical exertion, which limits daily activities and has affected her quality of life. Fortunately, our medical partner Clinica Noel can help. On July 28th, Ximena will undergo hernia repair surgery, and she and her family are asking for help to raise $1,005 to fund Ximena's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably. Ximena's parents shared, "Thank you so very much for your generous help and for donating these funds for my daughter’s surgery. Your support means so much to us and gives us hope at this very important time. We will always be deeply grateful for your solidarity."