Phanith is an 18-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He recently married and lives in Kampong Speu province with his wife, who works in a shoe factory, and her parents. In his free time, Phanith likes to exercise to keep in shape for his physically demanding job, as well as play volleyball with his friends. In January 2023, Phanith fractured his right arm (humerus bone) in a motorbike accident. His family took him to a local government hospital where orthopedic hardware was put in place to help heal the fracture. However, Phanith soon developed an infection at the surgical site, and a friend recommended that he visit our medical partner's care center. The doctors confirmed he has an active infection that must be treated soon, as an infection involving hardware can jeopardize the bone healing process. Additionally, Phanith is experiencing pain and cannot use his hand. Moving forward, Phanith needs new hardware to correct the displacement of his bone and a skin graft to cover the affected area. Fortunately, on October 18th, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will perform a skin graft procedure to cover the area and heal the bone, which will allow Phanith to use his arm again to work. CSC is requesting $487 to fund this procedure. Phanith contributed $100 to his care. Phanith shared: "I hope my arm will heal quickly, and I can use my hand again to work and buy a house for my wife."

Gifton is a fifteen-month-old boy. He is the only child in his family and resides in an urban area Nairobi. His mother, Mercy, works as a housemaid in the area, undertaking various household tasks, including washing clothes. Gifton's mother noticed a deformity in his feet immediately after birth. His feet were turned inward, not as other children's. Gifton has been diagnosed as having clubfoot of both feet--a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. As Gifton grows, this will cause difficulty walking and even wearing shoes if not corrected. Mercy sought medical help for Gifton. When he was just one month old, a course of serial casting to correct the position of his feet was started. Despite these efforts, the condition has not improved, prompting Mercy to seek a pediatric orthopedic review. Doctors at AIC CURE International Hospital in Nairobi have determined that Gifton needs bilateral PMR surgery to correct the deformity. This surgery will be performed on October 23. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund Gifton's clubfoot repair. After treatment, there will be a significant impact on Gifton, as the treatment will realign his feet to their normal position. As he grows, he will gain the ability to walk comfortably, just like other children. “I am appealing for help from well-wishers to help my boy walk comfortably like other children,” Gifton's mother told us.

Rathana is a 40-year-old tailor who lives in Kandal province with her husband, who is a security guard. She is proud of the dresses that she sews from home and sells to local shops. When not working, she loves to try different food recipes for her husband. Three years ago, Rathana had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in her left ear to perforate. Because of this, Rathana experiences chronic pain, ear discharge, and hearing loss. She frequently spends money at the pharmacy for medications that do not work long-term. She is worried that her hearing loss will be permanent. It is difficult for her to communicate clearly with others, and she shared that she feels embarrassed that she does not understand when villagers or family talk to her. Rathana traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On September 5th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation, grafting a patch over the hole. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $487 to fund this procedure and Rathana is able to contribute $100. This covers the surgery, medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Rathana said: "I hope that my ear will stop being painful, my hearing will improve, and I will have no more headaches."