Merge is a 3 year-old child from Ethiopia. She is a beautiful young girl who loves to play with toys and her brothers. She loves to wear new clothes and shoes - her dad shared that she is always asking for new clothes and shoes. Merge loves being around people. Her dad is a farmer with a large family, his older children out of the house and living their own lives. Seven children are still with their parents. Her mom spends her day taking care of her child, collecting firewood from the woods, and pouring water from a long distance from a manual well. She carries the water jar and the sticks on her back. They harvest once a year. Their income is limited to sustain the needs of their household. Merge was born with anorectal malformation and she was referred to Addis Ababa referral hospital and underwent two surgeries. But now she developed an incisional hernia. Fortunately, on February 9th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $512 to fund Merge's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently as she grows. Merge's dad said, “I hope she will heal. That will make me happy. I will send her to school and I want her to become a doctor.”

Sokchea is a 30-year-old taxi driver from Cambodia. He is a widower who lives with his mother and his 10-year-old son in Kampong Cham province. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer with the villagers but now his enjoyment has been interrupted due to his unfortunate health crisis. One month ago, Sokchea was in a motorbike accident and fractured his left ankle. He visited a local clinic, which only cleaned his wound as he could not pay for surgery to repair his fracture. The wound is now infected and Sokchea cannot walk or drive his taxi as he is in constant pain. Fortunately, Sokchea was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, where the surgeons can help. On March 22nd, Sokchea will undergo an Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) to repair the fracture and clear up the infection. The procedure will cost $483 and Sokchea is asking for help to fund his treatment. Sokchea shared: "I hope my ankle will be fixed, so I can work to support my family and have no more pain.”

Randell is a 20-year-old hardworking student from the Philippines. He is currently in his third year of college studying to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering. He lives with his sister, who supports his studies financially. Randell was a very athletic student, participating in various school activities and sports until he first started experiencing health issues. Five years ago, Randell was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, which causes him extreme pain in a sensitive area that intensifies with movement. Because of this pain, Randell cannot participate in the school activities and sports events he used to participate in. On December 9th, Randell will undergo hernia repair surgery with the help of our medical partner World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP). A portion of the cost of Randell's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP needs help raising the remaining $1,103 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Randell said, "This will help our financial situation. This is a significant help to us. I hope you can help more people and I am very grateful for being one of your beneficiaries. When I graduate and when I already have the means, I promise to help others and pay it forward."