John is a toddler boy from Kenya who is the second-born in a family of three children. His parents separated a while back, and he and his siblings now live at their ancestral home with their mother. John’s mother works around the community, such as tending to farm animals for her neighbors. John's grandparents also help support the young family. Since last year, John has been experiencing pain and discomfort caused by a right inguinal hernia. Although he was a playful boy, John has not been able to be as active as he was before the hernia. Fortunately, on March 14th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery with the support of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $585 to help fund John's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. John’s mother said, “Since last year, I have been stressed as I had no idea what to do. I’m hopeful that he will be treated.”

Akram is a cute, curious 3-year-old from Tanzania. His mother is the family’s sole provider and works as a vendor at a local market, selling vegetables and fruits. Currently, Akram and his mother live in town to help save on living costs as he receives medical treatment, while his three siblings live with their grandmother in the village. Akram was diagnosed with bilateral genus varus, a condition in which his legs bow outwards so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Akram receive treatment. On January 6th, he will undergo surgery that will restore his mobility, allow him to participate in various activities, and significantly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 to fund this procedure. Akram’s mother shared: “As a single mother struggling to provide for my children, Akram’s condition has been weighing on me.”

Roeun, who is 65 years old, is a retired rice farmer living in Kampong Cham province. She has five sons and 17 grandchildren. She shared that her husband abandoned the family several years ago, leaving Roeun to parent alone. All of her sons work far from home, so she lives with her sister, and receives financial support from her children. She helps care for her grandchildren, and in her free time, she likes to listen to monks chanting on the radio. One year ago Roeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, and is reluctant to do things on her own, due to her vision. When Roeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours to seek treatment. On April 4th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Roeun will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Roeun said: "I hope I can see everything and recognize faces after surgery."