Shinka is a 6-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the last born in a family of seven children. His father, who was the sole breadwinner of the family passed away in 2017 after a short illness. To provide for the family, the eldest son, who finished his high school studies last year, sells milk to earn some money. Sometimes the earnings are not much, and they have to rely on family members for financial support. The family does not have medical coverage and is not able to raise the money needed to pay for Shinka's surgery. In May of last year, Shinka started experiencing some difficulty when passing urine. At some point, he had stopped going to school for a few weeks. His mother shared Shinka's condition with his uncle who took him to a local health center for review. Shinka was examined and referred to our facility. When he came with his uncle for examination, doctors were able to diagnose his condition and also found a condition called cryptorchidism that first requires a bilateral orchidopexy surgery. If left untreated, Shinka has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Shinka will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 11th. AMHF is requesting $646 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Shinka’s uncle says, “We are very much worried as a family about Shinka’s condition. His studies are affected, and we want him to go back to school as soon as possible.”

Chhorn is a 68 year old resident of Phnom Penh City. He shares his home with his wife, three daughters, and two sons. His youngest daughter is currently pursuing her studies at a local university while residing with them. At home, Chhorn finds enjoyment in watching boxing on TV and engaging in regular exercise. However, Chhorn has been facing persistent challenges over the past few years due to chronic ear infections - called otitis media - in his right ear. This condition has led to right ear tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, and severe pain. Unfortunately, these issues have escalated in recent months, affecting his hearing and making communication, especially at his workplace, increasingly difficult. Despite seeking medical treatment, the problem persists. He feels that there is hope on the horizon, though, as skilled ENT experts from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, are able to help him get well again. Chhorn is scheduled for a myringotomy ear surgery on December 13th. Myringotomy involves making a small opening in the eardrum to drain the fluid and relieve the pressure from the middle ear. Sometimes a small tube is placed in the opening of the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear and to prevent fluid from accumulating. This procedure aims to address his ear issues and alleviate the associated symptoms, providing him with a renewed sense of well-being and improved communication abilities. Now, Chhorn needs your help with the cost of the $184 procedure. He shared: "I hope after surgery, I will have no more ear pain and can communicate better with my family and customers."

Bopha is an 18-year-old student who lives in Kandal province with her parents, who are rice farmers. Bopha is the youngest child of three; she has two brothers, one is still in school and one is a teacher. She studies in grade 12, and dreams of going to a university to be a teacher like her brother. At home, she likes to read books. For two years, Bopha has been experiencing a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing at night, sore throat, and fever. Her parents took her to a private clinic where they got medicine that did not help her to feel better. She has difficulty going to school and paying attention in class because she feels unwell and doesn't sleep well. Bopha was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Bopha, which is scheduled to take place on January 3rd. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Bopha of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. Bopha said: "I hope after this operation I will feel good and will stop having a sore throat."