Lim is a 61-year-old rice farmer living with her husband in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. They have two sons, three daughters, and three grandchildren. One son is a monk and her youngest daughter is a student in the twelfth grade. The other children are all construction workers. She and her husband work all day in the rice paddies to ensure the children have completed school and can support themselves. After work, Lim likes to listen to the monks chanting on the radio or visit the local pagoda for ceremonies. For the past several months, Lim has had an ulceration on the side of her mouth. She visited a government hospital, where she was given medication, but it does not heal and has continued to grow. The lesion bleeds when touched and is very painful for her. She is frequently nauseated and has difficulty chewing and swallowing. Lim has now been diagnosed with oral cancer. The government hospital recommended chemotherapy, but she is unable to afford the care. Fortunately, doctors at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Lim will undergo cancer surgery to remove and replace the bone. Her surgery, medications, and post-operative care will cost $726. Lim says, "I hope after surgery I will feel better, have no pain and can go back to the rice field to help my husband."

Arkam is seven-year-old primary school student from Tanzania. He lives with his grandparents while his parents work in another region of the country. Both his grandparents along with his parents, work together to provide for his needs. However, the grandparents also care for three more grandchildren. Arkam was born with a congenital condition that limits the full use of his fingers on both hands. Despite making efforts to seek treatment, the family encountered difficulties due to the high cost of medical expenses. In 2023, they reached out to our medical partner's care center Kafika House and were invited for a review. Earlier this month, Arkam was brought to Kafika House by his grandfather for consultation. Specialist surgeons at the center have proposed a contracture release and skin graft to help him gain use of his fingers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Arkam receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 6th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to enhance the functionality of his hand. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Arkam’s grandfather says: “I hope my grandson will be able to use his hand because it will make it easier for him while in school.”

The birth of twins Jane and her sister brought joy to their parents. She is the 4th born in a family of five. She is a bright grade 1 student who likes reading, drawing and colouring. Her family hails from a small village, and both her parents are farmers. Soon after birth, her parents discovered the challenge of Jane being born with multiple birth conditions: Bilateral clubfeet, hydrocephalus, and spina bifida. They shared that they were quite shocked as they had not heard or experienced any of them before. Treatment for hydrocephalus and spina bifida required a collaborative effort between orthopaedic specialists and neurosurgeons. At ten days, she underwent a spina bifida surgery at a local hospital to address the neural tube defect affecting her spine and then hydrocephalus. Jane is a resilient girl and has overcome so much, carrying a big smile on her face. She now needs treatment for her clubfoot condition as her feet are bent inward, hindering her mobility. She is scheduled to undergo surgery, which will be impactful to her because she will be able to walk confidently like other children and continue with her education. “My desire is to see my daughter walking well and any kind of help is greatly appreciated,” Jane’s mother told us.