Swalehe is a two-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents and two older siblings. His father earns a living pushing a market cart and transporting goods for customers, while his mother stays at home caring for the children and managing the household. Swalehe was born with fused fingers on both hands and fused toes on his left foot. As he has grown, these conditions have affected the development of his fine motor skills and his balance when walking and playing. Initially, the family was not sure if these conditions could be treated. Thankfully, they learned about our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, through a friend whose child had received successful care there. The family travelled to Kafika House, where doctors recommended surgical treatment. Without treatment, Swalehe will continue to experience functional limitations. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Swalehe receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give Swalehe the chance to grow, play, and develop with greater independence and confidence. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Swalehe's mother says, “His fingers are joined and tight, so he cannot grasp or release objects properly.”

Pon is a 61-year-old rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. He is married with one son, one daughter and five grandchildren. He lives with his wife who is also a rice farmer. His daughter is a garment worker and his son is a construction worker. He likes to listen to the news and the monks praying on the radio. About two years ago, Pon developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on his own. When Pon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 18th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Pon said: "I hope that after surgery my eye can see better, so I can easily go back to growing rice, and venture outside well."

Leiris is a friendly and intelligent seven-year-old girl from Colombia. She loves to play sports and dreams of being a flight attendant. Three years ago, Leiris developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. The condition has been causing her pain and discomfort, which prevents her from playing sports and participating in other school recreational activities. Following her diagnosis, surgery was recommended to correct it and prevent future complications. Unfortunately, her family is unable to raise the funding required for treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is helping Leiris receive treatment. On March 20th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery, which once completed, will hopefully alleviate her symptoms. Now, Leiris's family needs help to fund this $786 procedure. Her family says, "We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the people supporting her surgical procedure. Thank you for giving her the opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. Following the treatment, we sincerely hope for a speedy and satisfactory recovery, so that Leiris can resume her daily activities without discomfort and continue to brighten the lives of those around her with her joy."