Rika is a seven-year-old student in first grade from Cambodia. She lives with her parents, her 87-year-old grandmother, and her older brother. Her parents work in a clothing factory in the province. Rika and her older brother attend the local primary school; her favorite subject is English. At home, her grandmother is teaching her how to cook simple dishes such as fried fish, which is her favorite. Rika also enjoys watching cartoons and following her older brother around. When she grows up, she would like to be a nurse. Three years ago, Rika accidentally burned a finger on her left hand from a hanging electrical wire. Her parents took her to a local children's hospital for care but she soon developed a contracture from the scar tissue. She is unable to straighten her finger, which makes it difficult for her to grasp objects. Her parents are worried she will not be able to develop fine motor skills. When Rika's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On March 12th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to restore the use of her left hand. Now, she needs help to fund this $495 procedure. Rika's mother said, "I hope my daughter's finger will work better and she will have no pain."

Ren is a 43-year-old rice farmer. Residing in Pursat province, she and her husband have three daughters. Their eldest, a 17-year-old, has transitioned from school to assisting her parents on the family farm. The middle daughter, aged 12, attends the 5th grade, while the youngest, a one-year-old, remains in the care of other close relatives at home. Six months ago, while carrying a large bundle, Ren slipped and fell, fracturing the bones in her right forearm. The family did not have the financial means to go to a hospital and visited a Khmer healer. Despite receiving treatment, her fracture persists without healing, and she has now developed a rash on her arm as a side effect of the traditional treatment. Her pain radiates sharply to her thumb, and she is unable to use her arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 8th, Ren will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. Following three days of traction involving the use of weights, pulleys, and ropes to delicately apply pressure and realign the bones, surgeons are preparing to proceed with an open reduction internal fixation surgery to address her fractures. After surgery Ren will have improved mobility of her arm. Ren said: "I hope my bones are back in place to be fixed, and I can use my arm again after this operation, and have no more pain."

Vastine is a small scale farmer from Uganda. She is 39 years old and is currently expecting her fifth child. Vastine completed her primary education but, due to financial constraints, could not pursue further studies. During holidays, she decided to marry. As the eldest of seven siblings, all of whom are married except one engaged in casual labor. Vastine is from a farming family with both parents still actively involved in agriculture. Her husband, a casual worker in town, strives to support the family financially. Although limited by resources, she has a particular interest in poultry, maintaining a modest flock of approximately five hens. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Vastine presented herself at the antenatal clinic. Her first two births occurred in 2007 and 2010, both via C-section. Subsequently, in 2013 and 2017, she experienced miscarriages. In 2015, she successfully delivered her third child naturally, and in 2020, she had her last child through another C-section. Throughout her current pregnancy, she has diligently attended antenatal clinics at Nyakibale Hospital seven times for the comprehensive care package. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because this is a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Vastine undergo a C-Section on December 1st. This procedure will cost $252, and Vastine needs your support to ensure a safe delivery. Vastine says, “I wish I can deliver my baby alive and in good health under the support of the donors. I cannot afford the bills for this surgery on my own.”