Pheak Tra is an 18-month-old living in Kandal province with his parents, grandparents, and three siblings. Pheak Tra's mom works in a nearby clothing factory and his dad is a rice farmer. His grandparents help care for the children, and Pheak Tra is the only child not in school yet. His favorite things are milk, fish soup, and playing with his siblings. Pheak Tra was born with radial club hand, a rare birth defect characterized by a hand that turns inward toward the body, and an absent thumb. Pheak Tra's function in his left hand is limited, which makes it hard to play with his toys and carry out everyday activities. His parents have been worrying about how and when to treat him, due to the fear of the costs. Pheak Tra and his grandma traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for help. On February 1st, he will undergo a tendon procedure under the care of visiting specialists from Singapore and a small team of Cambodian surgeons as part of an ongoing nerve and tendon surgical training program. After surgery, Pheak Tra will have improved function in his hand. Pheak Tra's grandma shared, "We want him to be able to do things with his brother and sister, and to be able to use his hand when he starts school in the future."

Donnalyn is a hardworking woman from the Philippines. She works as a factory worker and currently resides with her partner. Even though her partner is also working, their combined income is only enough for their household expenses. One year ago, Donnalyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including excruciating stomach pain and frequent acid reflux. She was diagnosed with gallstones and kidney stones. She could not afford the surgery and treatment at the local hospital. Donnalyn has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Donnalyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on March 9th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Donnalyn's surgery and care. Donalynn shared: "I have not availed of the free surgery yet but I am already very grateful to everyone who will help me. I will never be able to avail the needed surgery even if I borrow money from everyone I know, so I am truly grateful."

Millicent is a 49-year-old businesswoman from Kenya. She came to the hospital accompanied by her daughter. Millicent resides in Nyathuna in Kiambu County. She is married and a mother of 3 children. Apart from her kids, Millicent takes care of 4 other children who were left orphaned by her sister when she died. Millicent manages a small business where she sells green groceries near her home. Her husband has been sick, which makes the family very financially vulnerable. For seven years, Millicent has been experiencing heavy bleeding and other symptoms. She has been to many health facilities and has taken medicines many times with no solution. Eventually, she went to visit our medical partner's care center Nazareth Hospital for a gynecology review. Now she has been diagnosed with multiple fibroids. If not treated, Millicent will continue to suffer as the fibroids grow. She may have complications like anemia, and they may become cancerous. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, requests $755 to fund Millicent's surgery. On November 22nd, she is scheduled to undergo treatment and once recovered, Millicent can resume her daily activities free of pain. "For the last seven years, life has been tough for me, with my problem and the family looking up to me for their needs. I am pleading for help so that I can regain my normal life and be able to take care of my family," said Millicent.