Masiaya is a two year old baby boy. He was the fifth child born to his mother, who is a second wife to her husband. The family resides in a remote area called Oloirobi, located within the Ngorongoro area. They are members of the Maasai community, and Masiaya's father is a cattle breeder. While playing with his brother, Masiaya was accidentally pushed, and he fell into an open fire. When Masiaya was rescued, he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, despite treatment, the wound on his head has never healed properly. He has been treated at different hospitals, but he still has a wound on his head. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is here to help. On February 27th, surgeons at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre will perform burn contracture release surgery to help Masiaya heal completely, and to reduce the risk of infection. Now his family needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Masiaya’s mother says: “I am constantly worried about my son’s health because the head is such a sensitive part of the body.”

Sophea is an 18-year-old student from Cambodia. She lives at home with her parents and two siblings. Her dad is a rice farmer and her mom cares for the children at home. Sophea spends most of her free time reading and studying. She enjoys spending time with her family and going to school. Sophea was born with club feet, a condition in which the feet are turned in and under, making it difficult to walk and balance. Currently, Sophea uses a wheelchair to help her get around. Sophea's family traveled an hour and a half to visit our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), so she could undergo clubfoot treatment. On February 15th, surgeons will perform bilateral tendon Achilles lengthening (TAL) and casting. Surgery and physiotherapy will improve her mobility. The procedure will cost $572. Sophea said, “I hope I will look better after surgery and walk someday.”

Olivious is a 34-year-old single mother from Uganda. She lost her husband four years ago to a road accident, leaving her the only breadwinner of the family. She is a farmer and together with her two children, lives in their two-roomed mud-built house. Her income is quite limited, which frustrates her efforts to provide a quality life for her children. Olivious has had lower abdominal pain, backaches and fatigue for sometime. She has not been able to work as well as she needs, due to this pain. When she visited Nyakibale Hospital, she was diagnosed with a large pelvic mass and a curative laparotomy surgery was recommended to heal her condition. She is not able to raise the $242 needed, and thus appeals for help. Olivious says, “I am not able to work well in the farms. Please fund my surgery so that I can be treated and resume my duties with ease."