Shedrack is a 6-year-old boy from Tanzania who recently joined a kindergarten class. He enjoys going to school and playing with toy cars with his best friend. Shedrack is presently facing challenges due to an accident he had when he was just seven months old. While playing, he accidentally got too close to an open fire and crawled over it, resulting in burns to his right hand from pieces of firewood. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he received a dressing for his wounds. It took two months for the burns to heal, but it was not until later that his mother realized his fingers were not fully functional due to the burn injury. The scar tissue that had developed made it difficult for Shedrack to use his right hand fingers, rendering him unable to hold a pencil at school. Despite this limitation, he still enjoys playtime with toys, using his left hand only. Shedrack’s mother desired to get treatment for her son, but financial constraints prevented them from seeking surgical intervention. Shedrack's family encountered a doctor affiliated with our medical partner's care center Kafika House, who directed them to seek assistance at the facility. Upon evaluation, Shedrack was diagnosed with burn scar contractures on his right hand, necessitating corrective surgery to address the defects caused by the fire accident. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Shedrack receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 7th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve his hand’s functionality. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Shedrack’s mother says: “I hope he starts his treatment and that his hand won’t be a barrier as he continues with school.”

Cherrylyn is a mother of three from the Philippines. Cherrylyn resides in Binan, Laguna. Her husband works as a helper and earns $16 per week, which is insufficient to meet their daily needs. Her children are all old enough to work now, however, their educational attainment makes it hard for them to find a permanent job. Cherrylyn enjoys doing laundry and engaging in water-related activities when she was stronger. Lately, she enjoys joining the free Zumba classes offered by the barangay. However, she eventually has had to stop because of her condition. Seven years ago, Cherrylyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including back, flank, and abdominal pain, which affected her daily activities. She typically takes various pain relievers to alleviate the pain. Sometimes, she endures the pain or her spouse will try to give her massages to ease her discomfort. Cherrylyn has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Cherrylyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on January 13th. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of the procedure, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Cherrylyn's surgery and care. Cherrylyn says, "I am very grateful to everyone for your generosity. We will only be able to afford this operation with you. I trust that the Lord will return this blessing you gave me."

Chhoum Malay is a widow and loving mom to four sons, one daughter, and seven grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a seller at a local coffee shop in Phnom Penh. Chhom Malay lost her husband about ten years ago when he passed away from a brain tumor, so she now helps her daughter with the housework and cooking. In the evening, she likes to watch dramas on their TV. Seven months ago, Chhoum Malay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing and trouble seeing to eat or drink in low light. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Chhoum Malay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled there hoping for treatment. On January 2nd, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Chhoum Malay's daughter said: "After surgery, we hope my mother can see well again, go outside by herself, and help me with housework."