Barkot is a happy three-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is playful and active and enjoys playing with other children. Barkot is the fourth child of his parents. His parents are daily laborers, taking on jobs in their neighborhood. Barkot was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and may be at risk of infertility. Barkot was brought to a health center, where they were informed that they could only undergo surgery in Addis Ababa, the capital city. As they lived far away, it took some time before Barkot's family was able to secure support for travel and accommodations. Fortunately, Barkot is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 3rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Barkot's mother said “I hope he will heal and be healthy and strong after the surgery. I will be so happy to see that day.”

Thou Hek is a 76-year-old retired grandfather from Phnom Penh. He has three daughters and ten grandchildren. Thou Hek retired almost twenty years ago as an administrator for the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transportation. He lives with his wife and his oldest daughter, who sells second-hand clothes in the local market. He enjoys listening to the news on his phone and spending time with his family. About three months ago, Thou Hek developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so he is not able to go places on his own. Thou Hek will undergo cataract surgery at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre on May 31st. Doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Thou Hek was able to contribute $50 towards his medical costs but needs help raising the remaining $203 for treatment. Thou Hek shared, "I hope I can see clearly again so I can start reading again, and not feel afraid when I go out."

Abdul, who is five years old, is a brave young boy from Ethiopia. He is smart and good at communication and socializing. His mother is a housewife, who helps her husband on their farm. Unfortunately, their harvest is insufficient to meet the family's needs. In the past few years, the family has received donations from the government. However, due to the war, they no longer receive this assistance. They now survive by selling their farm animals for income, and sometimes, they have to take out loans to survive. Because of these financial difficulties, they cannot afford medical bills for their son. Since birth, Abdul has lived with a right inguinal hernia. This condition occurs in newborns and children, due to a weakness in the abdominal wall that is present at birth. Sometimes the hernia or bulge is only visible when the child is performing certain activities. As a result of discomfort from the hernia, a child may become irritable and have a reduced appetite. Other symptoms may include a burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge, pain or discomfort, and a heavy or dragging feeling in the groin. In infants and children, inguinal hernias are always treated with surgery, to prevent future complications. While Abdul's condition has affected his whole family, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is here to help. On September 18th, Abdul will undergo hernia repair surgery and his family is looking for help to raise $512 to fund his procedure. Abdul's mother said: “I hope with this surgery, he will heal, be comfortable, and be free of any complications.”