Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Pov is a determined 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his parents and is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom are married. His father sells drinking water, and his mother stays at home to care for the family and manage household tasks. He is currently studying in Grade 11 and enjoys physics. He dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. His favorite meals are soups, especially those with lots of vegetables, and he enjoys playing football with his friends in his free time. Eleven months ago, Pov sustained electrical burns to both hands in an accident. As the wounds healed, severe scar contractures developed, affecting the right first finger webspace and the left fifth finger. The scar contractures have tightened the skin and limited movement in both hands. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects, hold items properly, and write his school lessons. He also feels self-conscious about the appearance of his scars and often hides them by wearing long sleeves. Pov sought treatment with our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On May 21st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve hand movement and restore better function. This treatment will help him write more easily, hold objects comfortably, and regain confidence in using his hands for daily activities and school. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $627 more to fund his procedure and care. Pov said, “I hope this surgery will help my hands move normally again so I can write my lessons easily, hold things without difficulty, and feel confident without needing to hide my scars anymore.”

Nabulu is a one-month-old baby girl. She is the last born child in a family of six children, and lives with both of her parents. Her father is a pastoralist and the sole provider for the family. Nabulu has clubfoot on both feet, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Her parents were referred to Kafika House for specialized review and care after she was born at a nearby facility. Nabulu is scheduled to begin treatment on September 25th with a series of gentle casting and manipulation to gradually improve the alignment of her feet. Once her feet have reached the appropriate position, she will undergo a tenotomy procedure to further correct the condition. She will then be fitted with a foot abduction brace (FAB), which she will wear until the age of five to help prevent the clubfoot from recurring. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Nabulu's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Nabulu has the opportunity to wear regular shoes as she grows up, and walk comfortably as she reaches important developmental milestones. Receiving treatment gives her family hope that her condition can be corrected early, before it starts limiting her mobility. “We are grateful that we were directed to Kafika House after Nabulu was born. We hope that through this treatment, she will grow up walking comfortably and wearing regular shoes like other children,” says Nabulu's mother.