Leonard is a 14-year-old boy from Mpanda, Tanzania. Leonard's parents manage a small farm that provides their family with food. They also take on various additional jobs during the day, including helping on other people's farms, washing clothes, and cleaning yards, to support their family. Despite their hard work, Leonard's parents have a hard time supporting their five children and Leonard's grandparents. Leonard was diagnosed with genu varus, a condition where his legs bow outwards. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. Due to his condition, Leonard has difficulty walking and participating in daily activities. However, as a result of financial constraints, Leonard's family has been unable to seek treatment for him. An outreach team directed by our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), visited Leonard's village and spread the news about available treatment for genu varus. As a result, Leonard's parents were motivated to seek treatment for their son at AMH's care center. AMH is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Leonard. Leonard's procedure is scheduled for June 6th. This treatment will reduce the discomfort in his legs, restore his mobility, greatly decrease his risk of future complications, and allow him to resume his daily activities. Leonard says, "I am glad that after a long wait, I get to have treatment that will make my legs better. I can't wait to enjoy playing soccer with my friends and helping my parents at the farm."

Chhin is a 73-year-old retired clothes seller from Phnom Penh. Chhin's husband passed away two years ago, leaving her widowed. She has one son, three daughters, and three grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter, who is a teacher. In her spare time, Chhin listens to the news and prayers from monks over the radio. About a year ago, Chhin developed a cataract in her left eye, causing itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She can no longer see people, colors, or places clearly as the cataract continues to worsen. As a result, she can no longer walk to her local pagoda for prayers and feels lonely and isolated at home. When Chhin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for over an hour to seek treatment. Doctors at CSC were able to diagnose Chhin and create a treatment plan that will help fix her eyesight. On May 9th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to help fund this procedure. Chhin said, "I am hoping to have successful surgery on my eye so that I can easily go out and recognize things, do household chores, and take care of myself and my grandchildren."

Allen is a 53-year-old mother of nine. She lost her husband in 2015. Upon his passing, she received a small plot of land and managed to create a three-room mud house in order to shelter her family. While Allen did not attend school as a child, she can read and write her name. She became a small-scale farmer to provide for her family. Her children range in age from 11 years old to 35. Since 2020, Allen has been experiencing swollen knees, with consistent pain radiating toward her lower abdomen. More recently, her lower abdominal pains became persistent. She decided to visit a nearby healthcare provider, where she was informed that was developing uterine complications. She was sent home with medicine that did not help her pain at all. She resorted to using herbs but those did not help either, she shared. She often becomes very weak while walking, and can only walk slowly for short distances. She can no longer sleep comfortably and has had to stop farming due to the pain. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), diagnosed Allen with Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. On April 14th, she will undergo surgery at AMH's care center. Once recovered, Allen can resume her daily activities free of pain. AMH is requesting $319 to fund the procedure. Allen says, “I have hope of living a normal and comfortable life once again through surgery. I want to continue with farming after my recovery.”