Tamiru is a 67-year-old farmer and father of seven from Ethiopia. After a lifetime of working the land to provide for his five sons and two daughters, he has become the resilient heart of a bustling household. Tamiru loves his work, but in recent years, medical issues have begun to get in the way. About five years ago, Tamiru noticed some swelling in his right elbow. The mass has grown over time, becoming increasingly painful and restrictive. It prevents him from grasping objects properly and severely limits the natural movement of his hand. Tamiru also feels a sharp tightness and deep discomfort every time he reaches, lifts, or swings a tool—movements that are essential for tilling the soil and harvesting his crops. For Tamiru, this struggle has been deeply frustrating. For him, his hands aren't just tools; they represent his livelihood, his independence, and the legacy he hopes to pass on to his children. Thankfully, Tamiru traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 14th, surgeons will perform an excisional biopsy to remove the mass. Now, Tamiru needs help to raise $750 to fund this procedure. Tamiru shared, "I'm excited to get back to my full strength so I can lead my family with the same energy I’ve had for decades. I can't wait to work my fields again without that tight pressure in my arm. I want the freedom to do the heavy work I love without holding back."

Reaksmey is a determined 16-year-old boy from Cambodia. He lives in Kratie Province with his parents and older brother. His father and brother work as construction workers, while his mother manages the household. Due to financial difficulties, he had to leave school after Grade 9. He enjoys playing football with his friends and loves eating vegetable soup. Three months ago, Reaksmey was involved in a traffic accident that caused a displaced fracture of the mid-shaft of his left femur. Following the injury, his family sought treatment from a traditional healer, but his condition did not improve. During his recovery, he also suffered another fall, which worsened his injury. After remaining unable to stand or walk for several months, his parents took him to a private clinic, where X-rays confirmed a severe fracture of his left femur. He experiences persistent pain in his left thigh and has difficulty moving his leg. He is unable to stand or walk without assistance, and his left leg has become shorter than the right. Because of prolonged immobility, the muscles in his left thigh have become weak and wasted, significantly affecting his mobility and daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 1st, Reaksmey will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure will help reduce pain, improve leg alignment and strength, and allow him to stand and walk more comfortably again. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Reaksmey's mother said, “We hope this treatment will help our son walk normally again and live without pain. Seeing him unable to stand or walk has been very difficult, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help him recover.”

Sebit is an 11-year-old student from South Sudan. His father is a fisherman, and his mother is currently unemployed. Living in a remote region of South Sudan, the family is located far from specialized medical care. In September 2021, Sebit fell from a tree while playing with his friends. He landed chin-first and injured his mouth, biting through his lower lip and bleeding heavily. At first, he did not seem to be in pain, but about a month later, both sides of his cheeks began to swell. From that point on, Sebit could no longer open his mouth well. Simple activities such as talking, laughing, and eating became extremely difficult. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a jaw fracture and recommended surgery. However, due to the complexity of the procedure, the surgery could not be performed at local facilities. Sebit was given pain medication and sent home. For the past five years, Sebit has lived in this condition. He speaks in low tones, eats slowly in very small portions, and avoids sleeping on either side of his face because of the discomfort. The swelling in his cheeks comes and goes, often leaving him in pain and distress. Sebit slowly adapted to this painful new reality, uncertain whether his condition was improving or worsening with time. Hope finally arrived when a well-wisher learned about Sebit’s condition and referred the family to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. This meant the family had to travel from South Sudan to Kenya for treatment, and the well-wisher helped cover the cost of their journey. After undergoing scans at our hospital, doctors discovered that Sebit’s jaws had fused and locked together, preventing him from opening his mouth. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On May 14th, Sebit will undergo a mandible reconstruction surgery to restore movement to his jaw and help him eat, speak, and live healthier again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Sebit says, “Whenever I try to open my mouth, I feel pain. I have to eat very slowly and only in small portions.”