Yousos is a 58-year-old laborer at a cashew farm from Cambodia. He lives in an isolated village in Stueng Treng, Cambodia, with his wife and their two children. His wife also works at the cashew farm, and both of his children help with cashew farming to support the family. The household depends entirely on its small daily labor income for daily expenses and basic needs. In his free time, he helps with farm work and household chores. In 1988, while serving as a soldier at the border, Yousos sustained a gunshot wound to his right femur, resulting in a fracture. An external fixation was applied to facilitate healing; however, the fixation later became loose and was removed. He then sought treatment through Khmer traditional medicine. While his condition appeared to improve as he was able to walk and return to work normally, he continued to have discharge from the wound. Ten days ago, while working on his farm, he twisted the same leg and fractured the same area again. He now experiences pain, discharge, and difficulty walking. The non-union fracture and infected wound make it very challenging for him to perform daily activities and continue his farm work. When Yousos learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for nine and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound and allow the wound to heal. Yousos can contribute $50, but needs help raising the remaining $367 to fund his procedure and care. Yousos said, “I have lived with this injury for many years, but now the pain and infection make it very difficult to walk. I hope this treatment will finally heal my leg so I can return to my farm and live without suffering.”

Ilhaam is a seven-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her parents and her younger sister, the only surviving children after her parents tragically lost their first set of twins shortly after birth. Ilhaam is a cheerful child who enjoys playing with other children in her neighborhood. She loves singing and dancing. Ilhaam’s father works as a primary school teacher and is the sole provider for the family. Although he works hard to support his household, the cost of surgery is beyond what he can afford. Her parents are hopeful that with support, their daughter will receive the treatment she needs to walk comfortably and return to enjoying childhood activities. Ilhaam has been diagnosed with unilateral left valgus, a condition where the left knee angles inward. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Over time, Ilhaam's condition has worsened, and she has begun experiencing pain while standing or walking for long periods. Her parents first sought help at a nearby health facility where they were told that her bones might be weak and she was given calcium supplements. Despite following the advice, her condition did not improve. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $631 to fund treatment for Ilhaam. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 10th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Ilhaam's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Ilhaam's father says, "I only wish to see my daughter walk, dance and play without pain, and grow up like other children."

Heang is a 41-year-old woman working in the crushed stone industry. She's from Takeo province in Cambodia. Heang is married and has two sons but no grandchildren yet. Her husband also works in the crushed stone industry, and her sons are students. In her free time, Heang likes to cook her favorite foods. About three years ago, due to trauma from a stone at work, the retina of Heang's right eye detached. This is causing her partial blindness and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere alone. When Heang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 4th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $706 to fund her procedure. Heang said, "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, allowing me to see clearly, recognize things more easily, and return to work."