Oltumo is a nine-year-old boy from Tanzania and the third of five children. He is currently in first grade, and his parents are livestock keepers who depend entirely on their animals to support the family’s daily needs. Oltumo was born with clubfoot affecting his left foot. Since birth, the condition has made it difficult for him to walk comfortably, play with other children, and keep up with his classmates at school. As he grows, the condition continues to limit his mobility and independence. To correct the condition, Oltumo will undergo a series of corrective casts followed by an Achilles tendon lengthening procedure and the use of a night brace to maintain the correction. Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which the foot is twisted inward because the tendons and other soft tissues are tighter and shorter than normal. Without treatment, it can make walking painful and wearing shoes difficult. Fortunately, Oltumo's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, where his treatment will begin on June 25th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,119 to fund Oltumo's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Oltumo has a strong chance of walking confidently and gaining greater independence. Oltumo's father shared, "With the right treatment, Oltumo can take confident steps toward a brighter and more independent future where he can walk without complaining of pain."

Sary is A 61-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is a widow and lives with her oldest son. She and her son sell bread to support their family. In her free time, she enjoys watching the news and listening to monks' sermons. About seven years ago, Sary developed a pterygium in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Sary learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On March 5th, she will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of her procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Sary said, "I hope that after surgery, my eye will stop tearing and feeling irritated, so I will not worry about my eye anymore. I also hope to return to selling bread comfortably and continue my daily work."

Chantha is a 36-year-old grocery seller from Cambodia. Her husband works in a shop, and they have two young children. In her free time, she enjoys teaching her children and managing the household. Ten years ago, Chantha suffered an ear infection. This infection caused her left eardrum to perforate. For this reason, she experiences pain, swelling, ringing in her ear, and ear discharge. The condition causes discomfort but also gradual hearing loss, which is affecting her daily life and activities. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Chantha receive treatment. On April 1st, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. She can contribute $100, but needs help raising $263 more to fund her procedure and care. Chantha says, “I hope that after this surgery, the years of pain, discharge, and hearing loss in my ear will end, and I can feel relief and comfort once more.”