Helena is a teenage girl and the fourth of six children. She is a friendly and social girl who loves sports and helping with home chores. Helena is in class two and her best subjects are writing skills and mathematics. Most children around Helena's age have finished their primary school education, but Helena's delay in her studies is caused by a foot disability she was born. Helena has clubfoot of both feet and her parents could not afford any form of medical treatment as small-scale farmers and livestock keepers. Learning to walk was very difficult for Helena. She can only stand or walk with crutches at this time, but it is still very painful. Therefore, Helena relies on a wheelchair to move from one place to another. Fortunately, Helena traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on May 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Helena's life-altering surgery. After treatment, she will be able to stand unassisted, walk and wear shoes like the other kids she knows. Helena shared, “I will be very happy if my feet can be treated and help me to stand and walk."

Panha is a 22-year-old construction worker and the youngest of his three siblings. His parents are farmers in the Kampong Thom province, which is known for its bountiful rice and mango harvests. In his free time, Panha enjoys playing games on his phone, listening to music, and watching TV. In August, Panha was burned at work while dealing with high electric voltage. Both of his hands were severely damaged. His family took him to a local clinic for medical treatment and dressing; however, he still developed contractures in both of his hands. As a result, Panha's hands and joints are stiff, and the muscles have atrophied. He is in constant pain and unable to hold things, limiting his ability to perform daily tasks like eating, dressing, or riding his motorbike. Surgeons determined Panha needs to undergo a scar contracture release and receive a flap of healthy skin in order for his hands to fully heal. When Panha learned that our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), could help, he traveled there hoping to receive treatment. On April 4th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use his hands again and start the process to strengthen his muscles. CSC is requesting $477 to help fund this procedure, which is also subsidized by $100 that Panha was able to gather. Panha shared, "After surgery, I hope the wound will heal, and I can use my hands to work and support my family."

Oeun is a 73-year-old retired rice farmer. She has two sons and four grandchildren. She lives alone near one of her sons since her husband passed away. Due to her poor vision, she stays at home and takes care of her grandchildren while her sons work. At home, she likes to cook for her grandchildren and listen to the monks pray on the radio. Two years ago, Oeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty walking outside in bright lights. When Oeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 4th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Oeun says, "I hope after surgery I can see again and go outside and take care of myself. I want to continue to take care of my grandchildren."