Regina is a 15-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the 22nd child in a family of 28 children. Her father is a pastoralist with three wives. Her family depends on livestock keeping and farming for their sustenance. They live a modest traditional life with milk and meat as their common meal. Regina was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. Her legs bow inwards, causing her to be knock-kneed. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. She was brought to the center by her mother and uncle after years of struggling with the bowing of both legs. Growing up in a large household, Regina has learned resilience and patience. However, her condition has made walking long distances painful and difficult, affecting her daily life and independence. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Regina. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 21st at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Regina's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Regina says, "Sometimes my friends laugh at how I walk, and they say I slow them down. I really wish for this would change."

Wendy is a 13-month-old girl living with her grandmother in Kenya. She was born at home and is currently under her grandmother’s care, as Wendy’s mother is hospitalized due to mental illness. The grandmother is responsible for caring for Wendy, her other children, and her sick daughter. She is unemployed and relies on farm produce for her family's survival. About three weeks ago, Wendy’s grandmother noticed a swelling around her belly button and observed that Wendy was crying excessively at night, which prompted her to take Wendy to hospital for medical evaluation. She has been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a tissue bulge that occurs near the belly button due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. If left untreated, Wendy may develop complications such as severe pain, strangulation, or bowel obstruction. Fortunately, on May 11th, Wendy will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nazareth Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $517 to fund Wendy's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow her to live healthier and more comfortably. Wendy's grandmother says: "I am so worried about my granddaughter's health. I will be so happy and grateful to receive support, so that Wendy can be well, and I will be able to work and take care of my family."

Nalin is a 78-year-old retired tailor from Phnom Penh from Cambodia. She is widow whose husband died during Khmer Rouge, and has three children and 13 grandchildren. She lives with her youngest daughter who is a house maker. At home, she enjoys listen to the monks' sermon on the radio and take care of her grandchildren. Nalin is diabetic, and about a month ago, her right eye's retina detached, causing her blurred vision, redness and tearing. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Nalin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for one hour seeking treatment. On February 25th, eye surgeons will perform a retinal detachment repair procedure in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Nalin needs help to fund this $706 procedure. She says: "I hope that after my surgery, my eye will be able to see better than now. I look forward to being able to recognize places, and walk on my own.