71-year-old Yean lives with his wife and their youngest daughter in Kandal province in Cambodia. He and his wife have a total of seven children, with six of them already married and living with their own families. In his free time, Yean likes to watch boxing and "Lakhaon Bassac", a Cambodian traditional theatre performance on TV. About two years ago, Yean began experiencing weight loss, fatigue and a chronic pain in his right knee. When he visited a local hospital, he was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), which was an hour's drive, for further care. Yean was diagnosed with Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST), a rare type of cancer that develops in the soft tissues that cover and protect peripheral nerves. If left untreated, MPNST can also spread to other parts of the body. Although the surgeons had hoped to remove the tumor and save his leg, it was determined that Yean needed to have his leg amputated. Our partner, CSC, is helping Yean receive treatment. On April 24th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a leg amputation surgery to relieve his symptoms and prevent the cancer from spreading. Yean and his family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $379 more to fund the procedure. Yean says: "After surgery, I hope to no longer be in pain, so that I can go home and spend time with my family."

Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”

Vun is a 64 year-old loving grandmother. She lives in Prey Veng province with her husband. Both of them are retired rice farmers and their four children help support them by working in factories. Vun loves spending time with her eleven grandchildren and volunteering at the local temple. About five months ago, Vun developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Vun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On December 4th, doctors will perform a small incision 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 I can see better and be able to recognize my grandchildren."