Khemar is an active 23-month-old toddler from Cambodia. His parents work in Thailand, so he lives with his grandmother and older sister in Southern Cambodia. He stays home with his grandmother and his sister is in first grade in school. His favorite foods are fried chicken and milk, and he loves playing with the neighborhood children. Khemar was born with syndactyly of both feet, which means that he was born with fused or webbed toes. Khemar's big toe and second toe are fused together on both of his feet. His parents worry that he will face challenges when he starts school, and he does not walk well due to his condition. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is helping Khemar receive treatment. On May 19th, surgeons at CSC will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused toes. After surgery, Khemar will be able to walk more easily and wear shoes. Now, he and his family need help raising $444 to fund his procedure and care. Khemar's grandmother shared, "after surgery, we hope Khemar's feet look better and it will be easy for him to move his toes."

Trish is a baby from Kenya. She is the second born in a family of two children. Her mother began working early this year as a teacher and earns very little. Her father was recently employed as a cattle herder. The family does not have medical insurance or the ability to pay for the surgery Trish needs. Trish was born a very healthy baby. She went through all expected developmental milestones until she was seven months old when her parents began noticing some changes in her. Trish has now been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result, Trish's head is increasing in circumference, and she is suffering with convulsions. Without treatment, Trish will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Trish was examined at a hospital near their home and referred to BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital for treatment. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help ensure Trish gets the treatment she needs. AMH is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 18 and will drain the excess fluid from Trish's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Trish will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Trish’s mother says, “It is very painful to see Trish not growing up like other children.”

Ruon is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer from Cambodia. He has been married for 40 years and lives with his wife in a rural area of Kampong Thom Province. Ruon enjoys walking to the pagoda and visiting a local market near his village. Two years ago, Ruon developed a cataract in his right eye, causing itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking. Ruon said that he feels saddened by his loss of independence When Ruon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for four and a half hours seeking treatment. On June 12th, Ruon will undergo cataract surgery at CSC's care center. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Ruon shared, "I hope that after the surgery, I will regain my independence and confidence. I will be able to go out easily, recognize faces and objects, and grow some vegetables around my home."