Mercy is a determined young lady, a sixth born in a family of nine children. Her father is a small scale farmer and her mother a homemaker. She goes to secondary school in Meru County, but is currently behind on her studies due to delays caused by a condition impacting both legs. Mercy was born with a condition known as bilateral genu varum (sometimes referred to as bowlegs), which causes her legs to curve outward at the knees. The condition has greatly affected her mobility. She finds it difficult to walk long distances, she gets tired quickly, and is unable to fully engage in activities with friends. Her self-esteem has been dramatically impacted by constant teasing from her peers, who find her way of walking different. Fortunately, Mercy is scheduled to undergo a surgery called bilateral Proximal Tibial Osteotomy (PTO) at our medical partner's care center AIC CURE International Hospital. The treatment will heal her legs, allow her to walk easily and support her to engage better both in school and with friends. Mercy hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon in order to help other children in the future. “I am looking forward to see my legs being corrected, to live more actively and continue with my education. God bless you for the support,” Mercy told us.

Dan is a 36 year-old-factory worker who lives in Prey Veng province with his wife and 5-year-old son. His wife works as a mango farmer and Dan has been working in a nearby food factory for several years. In his free time, he likes playing soccer with his friends, or with his son. In 2021, Dan was driving at night and was in a motorbike accident that caused a fracture in his right femur. He went to a local clinic and doctors fixated hardware to heal the fracture. Now, the fracture has healed but the hardware is uncomfortable and it is difficult for him to walk and run. He is also at risk of further infection. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 11th, Dan will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This procedure will eliminate pain and help him walk easily again. He shared, "I am hoping I can have surgery so the pain will go away and I can run around with my son."

Chhy is a 10-year-old student, living with his parents and little brother in Prey Veng province in Cambodia. His mother is a homemaker, and caregiver to Chhy's one-year-old brother, while his father works in a mobile phone shop in the local market. In early May, Chhy was playing with a friend in the village, when he was accidentally struck on the side of his face with a wood board, fracturing his jaw. Currently, he is experiencing acute pain and has trouble opening his mouth and eating. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Chhy receive treatment. On May 8th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a fracture repair procedure to fix a metal plate to the mandible, enabling the fracture to heal, and alleviating his pain. Chhy and his family are able to contribute $80 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $403 more to fund the procedure. Chhy says: "I hope that my jaw will be better, and I won't be in pain anymore."