Phy is an 83-year-old retired soldier from Siem Reap province in Cambodia. He has one daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren. Phy helps care for his wife, who has been experiencing multiple health problems for the last several years. They moved in with their oldest daughter and their son-in-law, who works as a motorbike taxi driver to help support the family. In his free time, Phy likes going to the pagoda and visiting his grandchildren. Around two months ago, Phy had cataract surgery at a provincial hospital and experienced post-operative complications. The retina of Phy's left eye detached, causing him partial blindness and watery eyes. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Phy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On April 3rd, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Phy and his family are able to contribute $300 but need help to raise an additional $649 to fund the procedure. Phy shared, "I hope I can see clearly so I can feel better going places on my own and I would like to be able to watch the news."

Bakari is 6-year-old boy from Tanga, Tanzania. He is known for his charm, sociability, and outspoken nature. He is the first child to his mother, with his father having passed away. His mother, due to remarriage and relocation to another region, Mwanza, had to leave him in the care of his grandmother and uncle. Currently a student, Bakari recently embarked on his primary education, finding joy in the time spent at school with his peers, though limited in activities due to the condition he was born with. Bakari faces a physical challenge as he was born with a condition affecting both of his feet, causing them to twist inward and downward, significantly impacting his mobility. Early in his life, he had an opportunity for treatment in Tanga, but unfortunately, his father’s demise led to a lack of follow-up post-operative care, resulting in a relapse. At the age of two, his grandmother took him to the hospital for treatment, but insufficient financial resources prevented them from completing the necessary procedures, leading to yet another relapse. Determined to secure proper treatment for Bakari, his grandmother patiently gathered savings and, in late 2023, brought him to Arusha, specifically to Nkuaranga Hospital. During their visit, the doctor informed them that, due to Bakari’s age, he required more complex surgery, which the grandmother couldn’t afford. The doctor then directed them to Kafika house. Upon arrival, he was assessed by the team there. Bakari has clubfoot of both feet. His treatment plan will start with manipulation and casting, followed by corrective surgery. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. The team at Kafika House will begin clubfoot treatment on January 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Bakari's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his mobility will significantly improve. Bakari’s grandmother says: “I really hope my grandson's feet will be okay. I have struggled to see him get treatment hoping his future will be okay.”

Marise is a 13-year-old student, living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with her parents and four siblings. Marise has a cardiac condition called congenital aortic valve stenosis. As a result of this condition, one of the four valves in Marise's heart is much narrower than it should be, making her heart strain to push blood through the valve. This leaves Marise weak, and unable to participate in physical activities. The care she needs is not available in Haiti so Marise will fly to the Dominican Republic, where on February 9th, she will undergo surgery at Hospital CEDIMAT, during which her valve will be repaired. While another organization is helping to support the cost of Marise's surgery, our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is seeking $1,500 to cover her care costs including pre and post operative medical care, and travel expenses for Marise's family, and the social worker who will accompany them for her surgery. Marise shared: "I am looking forward to being able to stop worrying about my heart after surgery."