Arkam is seven-year-old primary school student from Tanzania. He lives with his grandparents while his parents work in another region of the country. Both his grandparents along with his parents, work together to provide for his needs. However, the grandparents also care for three more grandchildren. Arkam was born with a congenital condition that limits the full use of his fingers on both hands. Despite making efforts to seek treatment, the family encountered difficulties due to the high cost of medical expenses. In 2023, they reached out to our medical partner's care center Kafika House and were invited for a review. Earlier this month, Arkam was brought to Kafika House by his grandfather for consultation. Specialist surgeons at the center have proposed a contracture release and skin graft to help him gain use of his fingers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Arkam receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 6th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to enhance the functionality of his hand. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Arkam’s grandfather says: “I hope my grandson will be able to use his hand because it will make it easier for him while in school.”

Yoeun is a 59 year-old mother of six. She lives in Takeo province, where she works as a rice farmer. Yoeun lives with her husband, who has recently retired from the army, and one of their younger sons, who works in administration for a local business. In her free time, Yoeun enjoys watching Cambodian dramas and listening to the monks pray on the radio. About three months ago, Yoeun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. When Yoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On February 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification 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. She shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better and I can recognize my family and the other villagers."

Richard is a ten-month-old baby boy from Haiti. His father is a motorcycle driver and his mother is a vendor. Richard was born with a heart condition called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus, where a hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart and a second hole exists between two major blood vessels next to his heart. Blood leaks through these holes, leaving him weak and unable to gain weight. Richard will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment and will undergo heart surgery on May 3rd. During the procedure, surgeons will close the two holes so blood can no longer leak. Another organization, Gift of Life International, is contributing $5000.00 to pay for the surgery. However, Richard's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery preparations and travel. Our partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and doctors' appointments. It also supports securing passports and travel documents for the social workers who will accompany Richard's family overseas. Richard's mother says, "Our family is praying that the surgery goes well so that our son will grow strong and healthy."