Teresu is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. Growing up in a farming community, Teresu spends much of his time helping with crop cultivation, an important source of livelihood for his family. He has never attended school but actively contributes to family work in the fields. Teresu has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, is a condition where the knees angle inward and touch while the ankles remain apart. His right leg is however more severely affected than the left. 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. The condition has caused Teresu discomfort during long hours of standing and walking, limiting his ability to work and participate in daily activities. Despite the challenges, he remains hardworking and hopeful. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Teresu. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Teresu's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Teresu says, “I want to walk and work without pain, so I can help my family better.”

Pheareak is a 33-year-old soldier living in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who works in a garment factory, and their son, who is a kindergarten student. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends in the village. About six months ago, Pheareak had an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the eardrum, in his right ear to perforate. For this reason, Pheareak experiences ringing in his ear, hearing loss, and ear pain. He experiences difficulty hearing, which affects daily communication and quality of life. The ear pain also causes discomfort, especially in cold weather. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Pheareak receive treatment. On April 2nd, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Pheareak can contribute $100, but needs help raising $263 more to fund his procedure and care. Pheareak said, “After the surgery, I hope that the ringing in my right ear and hearing loss will improve, the pain in my ear will go away, and I will be able to hear normally again.”

Fritz is a 30-year-old man from the Philippines. He is the only member of his family with a stable job, and his income covers their house rent and daily expenses. Once an avid basketball player, Fritz has had to give up the sport because of his condition and now spends his free time watching videos on his phone instead. Access to surgery would help him return to work without pain, support his family, and regain the active life he once enjoyed. For six years, Fritz has dealt with an inguinal hernia. His hernia has become increasingly painful, making it difficult to perform the physical demands of his work, raising fears that he could lose his livelihood if his condition remains untreated. Fortunately, our medical partner can help Frtiz receive the care he needs. On July 24th, Fritz will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Fritz's treatment. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Fritz said, "I hope this surgery will allow me to work without pain again and continue providing for my family. I also look forward to playing basketball again once I have fully recovered."