Elizabeth is a child from Kenya. Elizabeth is the youngest in a family of three children. Her parents separated a few weeks after she was born, and they returned to their ancestral home to stay with their grandparents. They are now living in Gataka town, where they have rented a single-roomed house. To earn a living, her mother sells watermelons to provide for them. Elizabeth injured herself while playing, waiting for her friends to go home after school. She was not in pain at the moment and went home. When she got home, the pain intensified suddenly, and her mother had to rush her to a nearby hospital. She was in excruciating pain and could not use her right hand. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 13th, Elizabeth will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. She will heal properly and continue with schooling. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Elizabeth’s grandmother says, “After all we have been through, it is very painful to see Elizabeth having an injured arm. We really want her to be treated and be well.”

Sok is an 80 year-old retired rice farmer from Kompong Thom province. Since her husband died five years ago, she has been living alone. Her six children and twelve grandchildren live in neighboring villages. The family checks in on her often, but it has become increasingly difficult for Sok to go out on her own due to deteriorating vision. She misses going to the pagoda to pray and taking walks. Her favorite things are her grandchildren and listening to Buddhist radio. About one year ago, Sok developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Sok learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 7th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sok shared, "I hope after surgery I can see better, easily go out on my own, and recognize my family."

SreyPov is a skilled 43-year-old weaver specializing in making silk and cotton skirts. She lives with her husband, who works in construction, and her three children in Phnom Penh province. Her 19-year-old daughter works in a restaurant, her 15-year-old daughter is in school, and her 9-year-old son is also in school. SreyPov diligently weaves traditional skirts at home, contributing to the local businesses, and takes pride in maintaining her household's cleanliness. In September 2023, SreyPov slipped on a wet sidewalk, stretched out her right arm, and dislocated her elbow when she fell. Given her family's financial constraints, SreyPov sought the assistance of a Khmer traditional healer. However, despite her efforts, her arm remains swollen, causing persistent pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 4th, SreyPov will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This surgery will allow her to resume her traditional weaving and alleviate her pain. SreyPov said: "I hope after surgery I can make cloth again and will not be in pain any longer."