Sahili is a nine-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of four children and lives with both parents, who are farmers cultivating maize to provide food for their family. Sahili is an active and friendly baby whose bright, cheerful smile brings joy to those around him. Sahili has clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which both feet turn inward and downward. Without appropriate treatment, this condition can affect his ability to stand and walk comfortably as he grows. It may also make wearing ordinary shoes difficult. Sahili's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Sahili has been scheduled to begin treatment with gentle manipulation and serial casting to gradually improve the alignment of his feet. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 26th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Sahili's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Sahili has the opportunity to develop properly aligned feet, wear ordinary shoes, and learn to walk comfortably as he grows. Sahili's mother shared, "We are thankful that we have learned our son's condition can be treated. We hope he will grow up with straight feet, walk, and enjoy playing with his siblings."

Thae Thae is a 35-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her parents, two older sisters and two younger brothers, in a village in Karen State, Burma. Thae Thae is a homemaker and also has a small shop selling snacks. Thae Thae was born with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a condition in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart. Sometimes ASDs may close on their own during development, but sometimes this condition requires surgery to repair the hole to prevent long-term damage to the heart and lungs. Thae Thae is scheduled to undergo heart surgery on September 23rd at our medical partner's care center, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of Thae Thae's procedure and care. Thae Thae said, “When I found out that I have heart disease and needed surgery, I cried. Knowing that I do not have money for surgery, I was in despair. Due to financial problems, I couldn't sleep at night. Now that I know about the organization and the donors who will help me, I feel relieved."

Sarin is a 55-year-old Khmer noodle maker from Cambodia. She is married and has two daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren. She lives with her husband, who has a disability and is unable to work. Her two children are construction workers. In her free time, she likes to watch the news on TV and listen to monks pray on the radio. About one year ago, Sarin developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Sarin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On October 29th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification 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 $263 procedure. Sarin shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better. I hope to go back to work and not worry about my eye anymore."