Vun is a 38-year-old construction worker from Kampong Cham, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who grows cassava, and their two school-aged children. As the family's primary income earner, he works long hours performing physically demanding construction work while also helping his wife on the farm whenever possible. About two months ago, Vun began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated down his left leg. The pain gradually worsened and became especially severe during the past week, making it difficult for him to walk, stand for long periods, and continue working. A CT scan revealed a large herniated disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, compressing the nerve. After learning about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled two hours to reach the hospital and seek specialized care. On July 17th, he will undergo an L5–S1 discectomy (spinal surgery) at CSC to remove the damaged disc and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. The surgery is expected to reduce his pain, restore his mobility, and help him return to work and support his family. However, the cost of treatment is beyond what his family can afford, and he needs financial assistance to receive this life-changing surgery. They can contribute $100, but need help raising $1,500 more to help fund his procedure and care. Vun said, “I hope this surgery will take away the pain that has made even simple movements difficult. I look forward to walking normally again, returning to work, and providing for my family without being limited by my back.”

Robert is a three-year-old boy from Malawi. He is a bright and playful little boy and the only child of his parents. Since birth, Robert has had an inguinal hernia. It causes pain and discomfort, preventing him from moving, walking, and playing comfortably. For three years, his mother has been worried about her son's health. Fortunately, on August 11th, Robert will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Robert's hernia repair surgery. Once completed, Robert is expected to live more comfortably. Robert’s mother shared, “I want to see Robert grow up without the pain he has known since he was a baby. I want him to run, play with other children, go to school, and enjoy his childhood without us always worrying about the swelling coming back. I believe after the surgery, he will have the chance to live a normal and happy life like other children.”

Wubalem is a 10-month-old baby from Ethiopia. He has one older sister and two brothers. His father works as a daily laborer in construction, while his mother is a homemaker who takes care of the family. Wubalem was born with hydronephrosis, a condition in which urine does not drain properly from the kidney, causing the kidney to become swollen. He requires medical attention and a surgical procedure called pyeloplasty to correct the blockage and improve the flow of urine. This issue was first identified when Wubalem’s mother experienced health complications during her pregnancy. After Wubalem was born, he was referred to a higher-level hospital for further examination and treatment. The medical team monitored his condition for about five months. After several examinations, they confirmed that Baby Wubalem needed surgery and placed him on a waiting list. Those five months were difficult for his mother. She remembers feeling anxious and frustrated as she waited for her baby to receive the treatment he needed. After waiting for five months, Wubalem was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Wubalem is scheduled to receive a pyloplasty to help his kidney on August 24th. The procedure costs $922. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to fund the cost of the procedure. Wubalem's mother shares, “I am very happy to come to BethanyKids, and I am so grateful for the warm welcome. Thank you so much to everyone. I pray that my baby will be healthy and able to walk and live like other children. I have been through a very difficult time and sacrificed many things for my baby. I waited for many months and spent a lot of money trying to get the care my child needed. I am very thankful that my baby is finally receiving treatment.”