Kanhchana is an eight-year-old Grade 4 student from Cambodia. She is the only child in her family. Her father is a rice farmer, while her mother works in a garment factory. She enjoys mathematics at school and likes playing with toys alongside her cousins. Her favorite meal is fried pork with ginger. When Kanhchana was three years old, she suffered a hot-water burn to her left hand. After being treated at a private clinic, the burn healed with scarring that caused her fingers to contract. She later had contracture release and skin grafting, but tightness remains between several fingers, particularly between the third and fourth fingers. Burn scars have caused contractures affecting the second through fifth fingers of her left hand. The tight webspace between her middle and ring fingers limits how comfortably she can use her hand. Her mother is also concerned that her daughter may become self-conscious about the appearance of her hand as she gets older. When Kanhchana's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, they traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On September 15th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to loosen the tight area between her third and fourth fingers, helping her use and move her left hand more comfortably. Now, she needs help to fund this $652 procedure. Kanhchana's mother said, “I hope this surgery will help improve my daughter’s hand and make it easier for her to use her fingers. I also worry that she may feel shy about her hand as she grows older, so I hope the treatment will help her feel more comfortable and confident.”

Salome is a six-year-old girl from Malawi, and a Primary 2 student. To earn a living, her mother sells freezies in town, while her father does casual work. Three years ago, Salome was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. Due to the condition, she has been experiencing abdominal pain, loss of appetite, on and off swelling episodes that have affected her daily living. Her parents cannot afford surgery treatment, and it's also taken a toll on Salome's mother's business, as she spends most of her time attending to Salome. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Salome receive treatment. On September 9th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Salome's mother is hopeful for her daughter's better health. The family is seeking to raise $575 to fund the procedure. Salome's mother says: "I believe surgery will change the life of my daughter, by bringing comfort to her life. You are my last hope, and I believe my child's life will not be the same post-surgery, enabling me to concentrate on my business, while she puts more effort into her education."

Sakhr is a newborn baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest among three children. His arrival has brought great joy to his parents, who are both small business owners. His father is especially happy to welcome his son and even wanted to give him his own father’s name in honor of his grandfather, creating a meaningful family connection from the very beginning. Sakhr was born with clubfoot on the right foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual. Without treatment, clubfoot can make it difficult for a child to walk comfortably, maintain proper balance, and wear regular shoes as they grow. Starting treatment early provides an important opportunity to gradually correct the position of his foot and support healthy development. Fortunately, Sakhr's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on August 14th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Sakhr's clubfoot repair. After treatment and continued follow-up, Sakhr will have the opportunity to grow, walk, and play comfortably. Sakhr's mother says, "We are grateful that we found help so early. We hope this treatment will give our son the chance to walk normally and grow without limitations.”