Anne, a seven-month-old baby from Kati, is adored by her parents and three siblings. Anne was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. She previously underwent surgery to correct the condition, but the surgery was unsuccessful. She requires a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain and reduce intercranial pressure. Without treatment, Anne will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, Project Medishare, is helping Anne receive treatment at Hospital Bernard Mevs, the only site in the country where this care is currently available. On April 10th, surgeons will perform a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery, giving an opportunity for Anne to grow into a strong and healthy young girl. Now, Anne's family needs help to fund this $957 procedure. Anne's mother says: "I hope this surgery will allow my daughter to grow up healthy"

Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”

Mao is a 17-year-old farmer - and the youngest of five children - living in Takeo province. Except for one sister who works in a nearby clothing factory, the family cultivates rainy day rice. Mao left school so that he could help his family with the farm work, and he is now learning how to cook, so that he can prepare meals for his family to share. During a Cambodian holiday last year, Mao fell off his motorbike while navigating a rugged road. He fractured his distal radius and several of his fingers. His parents took him to a local clinic, where he had surgery, and metal pins inserted to allow proper healing. He still has pain and weakness in his hand. In order to assess the progress of his fractures, surgeons need to remove the hardware from his fingers and wrist. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 8th, Mao will undergo hardware removal surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $304. This procedure will help him to strengthen his wrist and fingers, enabling Mao to work with his parents in the rice paddies, and reduce his risk of infection. Mao and his family need your help to fund this surgery. Mao said: "I hope that I will have full movement of my hand, and that I will not have any pain or infection."