Emmanuel is a 15-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is one of six children and has never attended school due to longstanding financial challenges following the loss of his father at a young age. Emmanuel’s mother is a livestock keeper who relies on selling animals to support the family. Emmanuel began experiencing bowing of both legs about four years ago, and has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. 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. Over time, the condition has worsened, causing him pain while walking and limiting his ability to graze livestock with other children in his community, which is an important daily responsibility for his family. His reduced mobility has affected both his independence and his contribution to household activities. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Emmanuel. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Emmanuel's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Emmanuel says, "I want to help my brothers at home, but my legs make it hard to help with any chores."

Rayvan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania and the middle child in his family of three. His parents practice small-scale farming, growing primarily maize and cassava, to meet their family's needs. Rayvan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Shortly after he started walking, his legs began bowing. Several factors can 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. For Rayvan, this condition has made him less active and affected his confidence. On January 16th, Rayvan will undergo surgery at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. This treatment will restore his mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund Rayvan's treatment. Rayan's mother said, "I hope that one day Rayvan won't even remember that he had this conditon making it hard for him to walk properly."

Thon is 47 years old and a construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and has three children who work in a furniture factory. In his free time, Thon enjoys planting vegetables around his home. Thon sustained an open fracture of the left tibia and fibula along with a degloving injury of the left hand following a recent road traffic accident. Immediately after the accident, he received treatment at a government hospital, and his injuries were temporarily stabilized. He still needs a skin graft on both his left hand and leg to promote proper healing and restore function. He is experiencing pain, difficulty walking, and stiffness. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On April 6th, Thon will undergo a skin graft. He can contribute $25, but needs help raising $558 more to fund his procedure and care. Thon said, “I hope that with this skin graft, my hand and leg will heal properly. I want to be able to move and use them without pain, so I can return to my daily life and work.”