Thanornn is a six-month-old baby boy from Cambodia. He is the only child in the family and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents. His father works as a construction worker, and his mother stays at home to care for him. He enjoys playing with toys and likes drinking milk. Thanornn was born with polydactyly of his right hand. This means that he has an extra thumb on his right hand. The extra thumb has movement and is attached alongside his normal thumb. The extra thumb does not currently cause pain or prevent him from eating, drinking, or using his hand. However, his parents are concerned that it may affect the normal development and function of his hand as he grows and may make him feel different from other children. Fortunately, on July 20th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra thumb. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will feel more comfortable with the appearance of his hand and will be able to use his right hand more naturally as he grows. The surgery will help him perform daily activities more easily and grow up with confidence. Thanornn's parents said, “We hope this surgery will help our son have a normal hand as he grows up. We want him to be confident, use his hand normally, and never feel different from other children.”

Surafel is a 14-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He loves playing football and dreams of becoming a professional football player. He also enjoys learning mathematics and spending time with his younger brother. His mother earns a living by selling vegetables on the street, while his father works as a daily laborer. Surafel was born with hypospadias, a condition in which the opening of the urethra is positioned differently. His mother noticed the condition soon after his birth and sought medical advice. She was told that it could be corrected when he was older. As Surafel grew, however, his mother became increasingly concerned. She visited several hospitals and was advised that he needed surgery, but they could not afford it. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Surafel's mother learned about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on September 8th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Surafel’s mother said, “Thank you so much for the support you have given us and for your kindness. After many years of worry and uncertainty, I am grateful that my child has this opportunity. I sincerely hope and pray that his surgery will be successful and that he will have a better future.”

Alejandro is a 55-year-old farmer from the Philippines. He is a father of four who supports his family through farm work, which he considers both his livelihood and a meaningful way to stay active. Only one of his children currently has regular employment and helps provide for the household, while his youngest children help him care for their livestock at home. For a year, Alejandro has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His health condition causes him pain and has made it difficult for him to continue working. It has also made it hard for him to eat comfortably, leading to weight loss and reduced strength. He hopes that surgery will help him recover, regain his strength, and return to the farm and the activities he enjoys. On September 26th, Alejandro will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Once completed, this procedure will enable him to live more comfortably and confidently. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are covering part of the cost of Alejandro's treatment, but he needs help raising $520 to fund his procedure and care. Alejandro said, "I am hopeful that, after the surgery, I will be able to eat properly and regain my strength. I look forward to feeling better and returning to the farm so I can continue helping my family."