Beshu is 15 years old and a sixth grader from Ethiopia. Since she was very little, Beshu has lived with her aunt. Now in the 6th grade, she balances her time between helping with housework and focusing on her school lessons. She is a resilient student working hard to overcome a significant physical challenge. When Beshu was a year old, a small, a bump appeared on her right finger. Over time, the bump turned into a painful ulcer that leaked fluid, and as it healed, it began to pull her finger inward, permanently changing its shape. Her limited hand movement turns simple classroom tasks into exhausting challenges. Holding a pen for an entire lesson is a constant struggle. This difficulty affects her spirit, too; she feels a deep lack of confidence and worries about the judgment of others. To avoid unwanted attention and the fear of bullying, she chooses to hide her hand beneath long sleeves. Beshu was referred to our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, for treatment. On January 24th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to release the tight, contracted skin and restore full movement to her hand. Now, she needs help to fund this $500 procedure. Beshu dreams of a future where she can finally feel confident and at ease in the classroom. This surgery would allow her to participate in school activities without the constant fear of feeling different. With hope in her eyes, she shared, "I want to be brave enough to do things without fearing insults. I can’t wait to see my hand and see how beautiful it looks."

On is 76 years old and a retired rice farmer from Prey Veng province, Cambodia. Her husband passed away 10 years ago. She has six sons, two daughters, and 20 grandchildren. Currently, she lives with her third daughter, who is a farmer. In her daily life, she enjoys listening to monks’ spiritual teachings, which is her favorite activity. About one year ago, On developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her 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. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When On learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On April 1st, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Her family can contribute $50, but needs help raising $213 more to fund her procedure. On shared, "I hope that after the surgery, my eyesight will improve so I can see clearly, recognize others easily, travel to distant places to join religious activities, take care of my grandchildren, and carry out my housework more comfortably."

Hongseng is a 17-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives in a small village with his parents. His father is a carpenter, and his mother works in a garment factory. He is the third of four siblings; his two older brothers are university students, and his younger sister is 13 months old. He studies in Grade 10 and enjoys mathematics. In his free time, he likes playing football with friends and doing homework. His favorite food is soup (especially lemongrass sour soup), and he hopes to become a teacher in the future. Early in February, Hongseng was involved in a high-speed motorcycle-to-motorcycle traffic accident, resulting in a closed fracture of his right leg with a wound above his kneecap. He is unable to walk, experiences significant pain and stiffness, and has been forced to miss school. The injury makes it difficult for him to perform daily activities independently. Following the accident, his relatives brought him to a Kru Khmer (traditional healer), where herbal medicine was applied, and the injured leg was bandaged with two bamboo splints for support. However, his condition did not improve, and a neighbor advised the family to seek further treatment the next day. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner's care facility, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On February 9th, Hongseng will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will help him walk again without pain, restore mobility to his right leg, and allow him to return to school and continue his education. His family can contribute $100 but needs help raising $500 more to fund his procedure and care. Hongseng's mother says, “After the surgery, I hope my son will be able to walk again without pain and return to school to continue his studies.”