Chanthorn is a 41-year-old chef from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his brother, who works as a chef for weddings. They support each other, earning money to care for their elderly mother, who is 76 years old. His father passed away 30 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In February 2015, Chanthorn sustained an electric shock injury to his left shoulder, causing severe damage to the shoulder joint. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury with screws, but later developed an infection that required removal of the hardware. He has experienced chronic pain and stiffness in his left shoulder for many years. The condition limits his shoulder movement and makes it difficult for him to use his arm comfortably during daily activities and while working as a chef. When Chanthorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his left shoulder joint and to help him to use his arm more comfortably and continue his daily activities and work more easily. Chanthorn is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $561 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I have lived with shoulder pain for many years. I hope this surgery will reduce my pain, help me use my arm more comfortably, and allow me to return to my daily activities without constant discomfort.”

Surafel is a brave and energetic 11-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and spending time with his older brother. He enjoys learning English and dreams of becoming a pilot one day. His father works as a construction worker, while his mother is a homemaker. Despite the challenges they face, his parents do their best to provide a loving and supportive home for their children. Surafel was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition that affects a sensitive area in his body. If left untreated, Surafel has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Surafel was placed on the hospital’s waiting list for surgery. Later, the hospital liaison office contacted his mother and asked her to bring him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). For Surafel and his parents, this support has brought reassurance and renewed hope. His mother is grateful that her son has access to the care he needs and is encouraged by the kindness and support they have received throughout the process. Surafel will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 1st. Surafel and his family need your help in raising $1,073 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Surafel’s parents shared their heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Our greatest wish is to see our son healthy and doing well after the surgery. We are very grateful for the support and care he has received. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this treatment possible. May God bless you all for the kindness and support you have shown our family.”

Lightness is a newborn baby girl from Tanzania. She is the only child in her family. Her mother runs a small business. Lightness was born with bilateral clubfoot. Both of her feet are turned inward. Without treatment, this condition could make it difficult for Lightness to move, wear shoes, and walk comfortably as she grows. Lightness has been scheduled to begin a series of gentle manipulations and casting procedures to guide her feet into a more natural position gradually. Once the casting phase is complete, she will undergo a tenotomy procedure to further correct her foot position. Surgeons at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, will begin clubfoot treatment for Lightness on September 18th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Lightness's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Lightness will have the opportunity to grow with properly positioned feet and, in the future, to wear normal shoes and to walk comfortably like other children. “We are grateful to have found a place where our daughter can receive treatment. We hope she will grow up walking comfortably and wearing shoes,” said Lightness's mother.