Victoria is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. Victoria is a cheerful, playful girl, who has been raised by her aunties. When she reached walking age, she could not walk. This prompted her family to seek medical attention at a public hospital near their hometown. They were referred to the Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru County, Kenya. Several tests were done, but financial constraints prevented them from returning for the test results. Victoria's medical treatment was further delayed when a relative who was actively supporting and raising her became ill, and all available finances were directed toward their treatment. Recently, Victoria's guardian, who was visiting her grandmother, was advised to seek medical care at BethanyKids. Victoria has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Victoria has been experiencing a visibly enlarged head size. Without treatment, Victoria will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Victoria that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 8th and will drain the excess fluid from Victoria's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Victoria will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Victoria’s aunty says, “This kid is active but unable to support herself because of the condition. She needs this treatment to be able to lead a normal life.”

Reasey is a 26-year-old rubber farmer. He lives at home with his parents and has five siblings: four brothers and one sister. He and his siblings support his elderly parents by working at a local rubber plantation in Kampong Cham province. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, watching TV, listening to the radio, and helping with housework. In September 2021, he was in a car accident with trauma to his left knee. His family took him to a local hospital for x-rays and he received a brace to support his knee. Because he could not afford any surgery, he visited a Khmer traditional healer for ongoing care. However, he continues to have pain in his knee and his kneecap is unstable. He takes medication to ease his symptoms, but he is still in pain, and cannot extend his knee or work on the rubber plantation anymore. When Reasey learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On November 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a left knee fusion to create a stable, immobile joint in order to relieve his debilitating pain. Now, Reasey needs help to fund this $600 procedure. Reasey shared: "After surgery, I hope my knee will have no pain, I can walk better, and return to work to support my parents."

Souty is a 14-year-old student from Cambodia. He has three brothers and one sister. He lives with his siblings, his grandfather, and his mother in Kampong Cham province. His father works in Thailand in a factory and sends money home to support the family. Souty attends public school and enjoys playing football with his friends. Since Souty was a small child, he has not been able to hear out of his right ear. For three years, he has also had frequent fevers and ear discharge from his left ear, due to an ear infection. The infection caused the tympanic membrane (the ear drum) in his left ear to perforate. Souty suffers from almost total hearing loss because of the poor hearing in his right ear combined with the problems in his left ear. This makes it difficult for him to attend school or understand the teacher. He shared that he feels embarrassed and has been held back in school for several years. Souty and his mother traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On November 22nd, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Souty's mother said: "Souty wants to go to school and be like other boys. I hope he can get his hearing back so he can communicate well with others."