Alice is the eldest sibling among six children. She has a passion for cooking and a fondness for rice. As a dedicated grade 6 pupil, she dreams of becoming a surgeon to aid patients in dire need. Alice's mother runs a small shop and her father sells milk. Alice's mother noticed an unusual bend in her back, which progressively worsened. Despite her inability to bend and persistent complaints of pain, visits to various hospitals and diagnostic tests offered no clear direction for treatment. Their hope was rekindled when they learned about AIC-CURE Hospital from a friend. At CURE, Alice was recommended for Posterior Instrumented Spine Fusion, a surgical procedure aimed at correcting her condition and preventing further progression. The treatment is scheduled for March 19th and is expected to significantly improve Alice's quality of life, allowing her to walk without pain and continue going to school. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 for the treatment. Alice shared, “I am looking forward to a complete healing and resuming back to my normal life.”

Huon is a widowed grandmother from Kampong Cham province in Cambodia. She is 77 years old and has three daughters, four sons, and 20 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest son, who works at a garment factory in the province. Ten years ago, her beloved husband passed away from untreated high blood pressure. Huon no longer works in the rice paddies due to her age, but likes to stay connected to her community by visiting the local pagoda to listen to the monks pray. About one year ago,, Huon developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurred vision. She no longer leaves the house alone, because she is afraid she will trip and fall from the steps on their traditional stilt house. 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 is not able to go places on her own. When Huon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On May 2nd, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Huon is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and needs help raising $153 more to fund the procedure. Huon says: "I hope that after surgery my vision will improve, so I can visit the pagoda by myself, and take care of myself and my grandchildren."

Festus is a three-month-old infant from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him while she was still in high school, and she had to discontinue her studies to care for him. Festus and his mother were driven out of their home by his grandfather, and although a relative has provided them with shelter, they lack the financial means to support themselves or cover their medical expenses. Festus' mother got to know about our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, through a mobile clinic in their locality, following which they were referred to the hospital for treatment. At BethanyKids, Festus was diagnosed with spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Festus is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Festus receive treatment. On March 20th, surgeons at BethanyKids will perform a spina bifida closure surgery to alleviate the risks associated with the condition, allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Now, Festus' family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Festus’ mother says “It is very painful seeing him with the swelling at the back. I wish to see him healed so he can grow up as other children.”