Festus is a lively 6-year-old boy from Kenya. He is the third born in a family of five children. His parents own a small corn farm, which they use to earn a living by selling produce. Festus was born with hypospadias, a congenital abnormality that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience discomfort and will be at risk for infertility. Fortunately, Festus’ father was introduced to a social worker who brought the family to the care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). BKKH is run by our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). As a result, on February 16th, surgeons at AMH will perform the corrective surgery. AMH is requesting $847 to fund the total cost of his procedure and care. Festus’ father says, “I want Festus to be treated and grow up like other children.”

TongHai is a 17-year-old from Cambodia. He and his family are from the Kampong Thom province, a region home to many ancient Angkor pagodas and temples. TongHai is in the 11th grade, and he enjoys studying Khmer literature. He shared that he hopes to become a policeman when he is older. TongHai is also a middle child, with an older brother who studies at the university and a younger brother who is in the 9th grade. His father is a veterinarian, and his mother is a homemaker. In his free time, TongHai enjoys reading books, doing homework with his friends, and playing football and volleyball. A month ago, TongHai was playing football when someone slashed his wrist with a knife. He visited a local hospital for treatment, but the tendons in his wrist were damaged. As a result, he cannot extend his right wrist or write. TongHai needs to undergo tendon repair surgery in order to heal. Fortunately, our medical partners at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) can help. On December 5th, TongHai will undergo tendon repair surgery. His family has raised $100 to contribute to his care and request assistance with the costs of the far travel, surgery, and hospitalization needs. CSC is requesting $572 to fund TongHai's care. TongHai shared, "After surgery, I hope my right hand will work again, and I will be able to write and study hard in school."

Somanen is a six-year-old kindergartener, living with her parents and older brother in Kandal province in Cambodia. Both of her parents work in a local bank. Somanen likes to paint and hopes to be a teacher when she grows up. One year ago, Somanen began experiencing frequent sore throats, and difficulty with swallowing and breathing through her nose. Her mother says that Somanen's hearing is also impaired and that she has developed poor eating habits. Because of all of these symptoms, Somanen often misses school. She was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Somanen, which is scheduled to take place on February 7th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. After her tonsils and adenoids are removed, Somanen should no longer experience any of the symptoms. Somanen's mother said: "I hope Somanen will get well from this illness after she has surgery."