Ravin is a 13-year-old monk from Prey Veng province where his father is a construction worker and his mother is a homemaker. He has two younger brothers - a 6-year-old in grade one, and a 2-year-old not yet in school who stays home with their mother. He resides in the local temple, learning chanting, meditation, and the study of religious texts. When Ravin was just one year old, an unfortunate incident occurred where he accidentally plunged his hand into a fire, resulting in severe burns to his right hand and wrist. He had medical care at a nearby children's hospital. However, when he and his family returned for follow-up care, they faced a setback. The crucial paperwork from his initial treatment had gone missing, leading to a situation where the hospital declined to proceed with any additional necessary surgeries. He suffers from burn scar contracture on his right wrist which are deviated to the ulnar side, meaning his fingers are bent toward his little finger. His right fingers are webbed and he is unable to write, or grasp objects with his right hand. When Ravin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On January 29th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to to help him use his hand again. Now, he needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Ravin said: "I hope my hand will be better and I can use my hand for writing after my surgery."

Savan is a 69-year-old retired rice farmer. He lives in Prey Veang near the border of Cambodia and Vietnam with his family. He and his wife have three sons, four daughters, and twelve grandchildren. His youngest daughter still lives at home and helps support the family by working at a local construction company. At home, Savan and his wife like taking walks, spending time with family, caring for his chickens, and watching the news. About three months ago, Savan 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 been having difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about potential falls while walking, which has made him reluctant to venture out independently. When Savan learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 1st, 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, Savan needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Savan shared, "I hope after surgery my eye can see better so I can easily go out in the village on my own and help take my grandkids to school."

Kennedy is a teenager from Kenya. He has an older sibling who lives with his parents, and Kennedy lives with his grandparents and some of his cousins. Kennedy's father was a security guard but had to stop working due to a chronic disease that has kept him in and out of the hospital for many years now. As a result, Kennedy's mother is the family's sole provider. She has a small kiosk she uses as a hotel at a local garage. Kennedy's family has national health insurance coverage, but have not been able to get coverage for his needed treatment. Kennedy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at birth, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Because of this condition, Kennedy has been experiencing severe headaches and convulsions with loss of mobility from the left arm. Kennedy underwent two shunt insertion surgeries, but the shunt failed. He has been admitted to the High Dependency Unit at our medical partner's hospital for a few days now. Kennedy now needs to undergo a different surgery to help drain the excess cerebral spinal fluid in order for him to recover and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Kennedy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Kennedy to treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 16th. Kennedy's grandmother says, "It is very depressing for me as I have to bring him to the hospital every now and then. I want him to be treated and go back to his better condition."