Juoneck is an 11-year old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her father - a construction layman - and her mother - a self employed roadside grocery seller - and a younger sibling. Juoneck is passionate about pursuing her education, as she hopes to become a doctor. Juoneck lives with clubfoot, a congenital condition that limits her mobility, and impedes her participation in playing, sports, and long-distance walks. Despite these challenges, she remains determined in her pursuit of education and her dreams. Her parents recently met a good Samaritan, who was astonished to discover that Juoneck has been living with a treatable disability. The Samaritan directed them to our partner's center for treatment. Juoneck's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, on December 22nd, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on Juoneck. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Juoneck's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk easily and to participate in sports. Juoneck’s mother says: “I hope my daughter’s spirit won’t be limited by the condition she was born with. I hope this treatment will help correct her leg.”

Kan is a retired rice farmer from Kandal province. He is the proud father of two daughters and three sons, and his family now includes ten grandchildren. Unfortunately, he experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his wife to stomach cancer several years ago. Presently, he resides with his youngest daughter and her family, finding comfort in their company. Since retirement, he has nurtured his spiritual side by frequenting the local pagoda. Over the years, he has become a wise mentor to young monks who seek his guidance. Six years ago, Kan developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him difficulty with his vision. He says he feels like something is always in his eye. It now covers his pupil and he cannot recognize friends and family. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind or dust and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. When Kan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for two-and-a-half hours seeking treatment. Kan needs a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $225. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. The procedure is scheduled for January 2nd. Kan shared: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and stop irritation and I can read books and go to the pagoda by myself."

Khmao is a 61-year-old stay-at-home mother with four daughters. She lives in Kampot province with her husband, who drives a tuk-tuk, and three of her children. Her oldest daughter is married and lives nearby. Khmao likes to care for her vegetable garden around the house and make sweets for her family. Five years ago, Khmao had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Khmao experiences hearing loss, ear pain, and ear discharge. It is difficult for her to communicate with people. In the past year, she has completely lost hearing in her left ear. Khmao traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On April 2nd, she will undergo a mastoidectomy in her left ear, which is surgery to remove cells in the hollow, air-filled spaces in the skull behind the ear within the mastoid bone. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Khmao and her family are able to contribute $100 but need an additional $926 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Khmao said, "I hope I will be able to hear normally and communicate better with others."