Haruna is a 10-year-old student from Tanzania. Haruna is the fourth born child in a family of five children. He is currently in Class Five, and his best subjects are mathematics and social studies. Haruna is a big lover of football, which his father says he picked at an early age. Unfortunately, a few months ago, his father has had to stop him from playing football due to the level of deformity in his legs and risk of getting a fracture. Haruna was diagnosed with genu varus. His legs bow outwards at the knee so that they do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty walking for a distance and he is no longer able to play football, the sport he loves. The procedure Haruna needs is costly for his family. Haruna's parents are small-scale farmers of maize, beans and tobacco. They are able to get their food from the harvest of maize and vegetable and some little money from selling tobacco harvest. Now, they are appealing for financial support for Haruna's cost of care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Haruna. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 3rd. Treatment will hopefully restore Haruna's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Haruna shared, “I would like to be able to walk well and play like my friends. Please help me get this treatment."

Thorn is a farmer and mother of four. She has two sons, two daughters, and many grandchildren. She no longer goes to the rice fields anymore because of her aging. She lives with her youngest daughter and looks after her grandchildren. Her husband passed away from hypertension ten years ago. Five years ago, Thorn developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, itchiness, increased difficulty seeing at night, and blurred vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Thorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On January 11th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Thorn shared, "I am hopeful that after surgery I will be able to see well, walk by myself in the dark, and take more care of my grandchildren."

Phoeun is a 78-year-old farmer from Cambodia. He has two sons, five daughters, and many grandchildren. Phoeun mostly stays home from the rice field now to plant vegetables around his house and take care of his grandchildren. He enjoys reading the Buddha book, listening to monks preaching on the radio, and watching Khmer boxing on TV. Three years ago, Phoeun developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Phoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled with his daughter seeking treatment. On January 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Phoeun said, "I hope after surgery I can see better so I can read well, join ceremonies at the pagoda, and drive my motorbike to bring my grandchildren to school."