Rebira is a 14-year-old student who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and three siblings. His father works as a guard, and his mother stays home to care for the children. Before his recent health challenges, he enjoyed playing football with his friends. About two years ago, Rebira injured his left leg while playing football. Because his family could not afford medical care, the injury went untreated. Unfortunately, the leg did not heal properly, and Rebira continues to suffer from intermittent swelling, severe pain, and difficulty walking. The pain has become so debilitating that he struggles to make the walk to school. His parents fear that, if left untreated, he may be forced to abandon his education, trapping him in a cycle of poverty. Recently, Rebira and his family attended our medical partner’s care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital. Following an investigation, doctors determined that he needs a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. Without treatment, Rebira may suffer from recurrent infections, which can result in life-threatening complications. On August 24th, Rebira will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Rebira's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. Rebira's parents shared, "We hope that our son will be able to easily walk to school and return to playing football with his friends again."

Dah is a 52-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and a son in the village in Karen State, Burma. Dah and her husband work as agricultural day laborers. Currently, Dah experiences back pain while sitting for long periods. She was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, Dah's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Dah is scheduled to undergo her cholecystectomy on June 25th. BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Dah's procedure and care. Dah said, “We do not have work every day. If there is work available but I have back and stomach pain, I cannot work, so we do not have income for the day that I did not get to work. I wish I could get the surgery and be free from this pain, but I do not have the money. Thank you so much for helping me. Without your help, I had decided that I would just stay with the stone inside me for the rest of my life.”

Chanthorn is a 41-year-old chef from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal Province with his brother, who works as a chef for weddings. They support each other, earning money to care for their elderly mother, who is 76 years old. His father passed away 30 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home. In February 2015, Chanthorn sustained an electric shock injury to his left shoulder, causing severe damage to the shoulder joint. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury with screws, but later developed an infection that required removal of the hardware. He has experienced chronic pain and stiffness in his left shoulder for many years. The condition limits his shoulder movement and makes it difficult for him to use his arm comfortably during daily activities and while working as a chef. When Chanthorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his left shoulder joint and to help him to use his arm more comfortably and continue his daily activities and work more easily. Chanthorn is contributing towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $561 more to fund the surgery. He says, “I have lived with shoulder pain for many years. I hope this surgery will reduce my pain, help me use my arm more comfortably, and allow me to return to my daily activities without constant discomfort.”