Samwel is a five-month-old baby from Gilalumpa, Tanzania. He is the youngest child in his family, born into a polygamous family of two wives and eleven children. The family relies on livestock-keeping as their primary livelihood but lack the means to generate sufficient income to cover expenses. They reside in a communal boma or community enclosure consisting of seven small mud huts, each hut divided into two rooms, which accommodate their entire family. Samwel’s mother, Namag, gave birth to him at home, and while the delivery went smoothly, Samwel developed some health issues a few days later. Observing an abnormality in Samwel’s left foot, the family initially took no action as they had no understanding of the condition. When a concerned neighbor noticed his foot, the family sought medical treatment. However, due to their financial situation, the family was unable to afford the necessary care. Fortunately, doctors offering mobile clinic services set up camp near the family's home. Samwel’s parents managed to attend the clinic, where the doctors recommended assistance from Fly Medical Services (FMS) for transportation to Arusha where treatment would be available. Samwel has congenital clubfoot of left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position as the tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual. Clubfoot causes difficulty walking and wearing shoes. Samwel's family was able to travel to visit our medical partner's care center, The Plaster House NGO. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 22nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Samwel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Samwel’s quality of life will significantly improve as he grows. The treatment will enable him to walk comfortably, wear shoes, and alleviate any concerns his parents may have about his condition and his future. Samwel’s mother says: “I would like my son to be well. I want him to enjoy long walks with his brother when he grows up.”

Mon, a homemaker and devoted mother to a four-year-old daughter, works part-time as a waitress while her husband earns a living as a motorcycle taxi driver. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends during her free time. Last year in September, Mon began experiencing a hard abdomen and uncomfortable bloating. If she overeats, she has difficulty breathing and feels pain. Following a diagnosis of a right ovarian cyst, she has been recommended to undergo an oophorectomy, a surgical procedure aimed at removing her ovaries. Fortunately, Mon is scheduled to undergo her oophorectomy on June 15th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, requests $913 to cover her procedure and care costs so she can heal. Mon said, “It’s good that you save so many people with the same condition. Not many can save lives like this.”

Savong is a 28-year-old hairdresser from Kampong Thom province in Cambodia, where she lives with her husband and their two daughters and son. Savong's husband works on a nearby rice farm while Savong works in the local market at a hairdressing stall. Her favorite hobby is cooking for her family. Fifteen years ago, Savong had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. As a result, Savong experiences hearing loss, ear pain, and discharge. Savong traveled to seek help from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On April 27th, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her right ear at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma, restoring Savong's hearing, and ridding her of the distressing discharge she has been living with. Children's Surgical Centre is requesting $926 to fund this procedure. The money raised will cover the cost of medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Savong shared: "I hope I can help my hearing and be able to do my job and care for my kids better."