Joel is a 23-year-old from Kenya and the third-born in his family. His parents separated, and Joel moved from his hometown after completing high school to pursue work as a bodaboda rider (motorcycle taxi) to earn a living. Finding driving work can be inconsistent, and motorcycle accidents have been increasing lately in Kenya. In March, Joel was driving with two passengers when they were hit in a hit-in-run by an overtaking vehicle. The passengers were not hurt, but Joel landed on his knees, sustained bruises, and fractured his right femur. He is in pain and unable to walk or work as a result of his injuries. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help Joel heal. On April 3rd, Joel will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, to relieve his pain and allow him to walk and resume work. AMH is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. Joel shared: “I am lying here in bed desperate. I kindly plead for support so that I can be back on my feet. My parents are not together and cannot even make it to help me.”

Sok is an 83-year-old loving grandmother and retired rice farmer from Cambodia. She is married with two sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren. Since retiring, Sok and her husband have been supported by their youngest daughter, who is also a rice farmer. At home, Sok likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio and visit with her grandchildren. About four years ago, Sok developed a cataract in her left eye, causing photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She also has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out alone. When Sok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 3rd, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to fund her procedure. Sok contributed $100 to her care. Sharing her hopes for what her life will be like after surgery, Sok said: "I hope I can see my grandchildren more clearly and help my husband more around the house."

Phinehas is a 3-year-old social boy who likes playing with toys. He is an only child who his parents adore. The family hails from a village in Kenya. His mother is a homemaker and his father is a small-scale businessman who operates a shop in their local area. As Phinehas began to walk, his mother noticed an unusual walking style characterized by continuous knocking of his knees, leading him to lose balance and fall often. Upon examination, the condition identified was knock knees, whereby his knees tilt inwards. He was issued a brace to correct the deformity, but this treatment proved unsuccessful. He was then referred to our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) where the doctor examining determined that surgery is necessary to fix his condition. Phineas is scheduled to have a bilateral surgery on July 26th, where doctors will insert small metal plates shaped like an eight to guide the growth of his legs. AMH is requesting $1,224 to fully fund this procedure. The treatment will be impactful to him because he will be able to walk upright without falling and without knees knocking each other. Phinehas’s mother shared, “We would like to seek support to help my son undergo surgery and his legs to be corrected so that he can walk normally like other children.”