Rebira is a 14-year-old student who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and three siblings. His father works as a guard, and his mother stays home to care for the children. Before his recent health challenges, he enjoyed playing football with his friends. About two years ago, Rebira injured his left leg while playing football. Because his family could not afford medical care, the injury went untreated. Unfortunately, the leg did not heal properly, and Rebira continues to suffer from intermittent swelling, severe pain, and difficulty walking. The pain has become so debilitating that he struggles to make the walk to school. His parents fear that, if left untreated, he may be forced to abandon his education, trapping him in a cycle of poverty. Recently, Rebira and his family attended our medical partner’s care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Following an investigation, doctors determined that he needs a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. Without treatment, Rebira may suffer from recurrent infections, which can result in life-threatening complications. On August 24th, Rebira will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Rebira's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. Rebira's parents shared, "We hope that our son will be able to easily walk to school and return to playing football with his friends again."

Heang is five years old and a first-grader from Cambodia. He is the middle of three children and lives with his parents in Kampot Province. His father works as a grocery seller, while his mother stays home to care for the children and manage the household. He enjoys reading and writing Khmer, watching cartoons, and playing with his little sister. He especially likes vegetable-filled soups. When Heang was two years old, he burned his left hand in a fire while his family was having a barbecue. He received treatment at a private clinic, but the injury later healed with scar tissue that gradually caused contractures in his left index and middle fingers. The tight scars restrict movement in his left index and middle fingers, making it difficult for him to fully straighten them. This may also affect his ability to grasp and hold objects comfortably with his left hand. When Heang's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On September 17th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to give his affected fingers more flexibility and improve how he can move his left hand. This may make it easier for him to hold objects, play, and take part in everyday activities as he continues to grow. Now, he needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Heang's mother said, “I hope the surgery will help my son straighten and move his fingers more easily. I want him to be able to hold things with both hands, play with other children, and enjoy his childhood without his hand limiting him.”

Sopheara is a nine-year-old student from Cambodia. He is the only child in his family and lives with his parents, who are rice farmers. He enjoys reading and writing Khmer and likes making toy cars in his free time. His favorite foods are fried pork and chicken. He wishes to be an architect when he grows up. Sopheara was born with unilateral incomplete cleft lip and cleft palate. He underwent surgery for the condition, but there is still a gap in his gums that affects his eating, speaking, and symmetry of his face. Sopheara needs surgery to close the gap. Fortunately, Sopheara visited our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for further treatment. There, surgeons will perform an alveolar bone graft procedure on September 8th. CSC is requesting $665 to fund Sopheara's treatment and care. After treatment, the alveolar bone graft (ABG) will help fill the gap in his gum and support the development and stability of his upper jaw. It may also make eating and speaking more comfortable and improve the appearance and symmetry of his smile as he continues to grow. Sopheara's mother said, “I am happy that my son can receive this surgery. I hope the bone graft will help repair his gum and support his teeth as he grows. I want him to have a healthy smile and feel confident when he goes to school and meets other people.”