Muluwerk is a 28-year-old woman from Ethiopia. She and her husband have three young children—two sons and a daughter. Muluwerk has been facing a quiet, painful battle with a bone infection known as osteomyelitis. As a young mother caring for her children and home, she spends her days taking on physically demanding tasks. Muluwerk experiences pain, swelling, and other worrisome symptoms, making each day a showcase of her resilience. Muluwerk visited our medical partner's care center, Saglan Wajee General Hospital (SWGH), for help. After review, her doctors have recommended that she undergo a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected, dead bone or tissue. If not treated, her condition can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on April 8th, Muluwerk will undergo repair surgery at SWGH's care center. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate her symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. SWGH is requesting $900 to fund her procedure. Muluwerk said, "I am hoping to end this four-year cycle of suffering once and for all. By getting my mobility back, I can finally put all my energy into building a bright future for my family, free from the shadow of this recurring illness."

Phally is 61 years old and a widow from a rural area in Kandal province, Cambodia. She lives with her eldest child, who works as a breakfast seller in a small booth. Her husband passed away nine years ago, and she has relied on her own strength and the support of her children since then. She is the mother of five children, all of whom are now married and living in nearby villages. Seven days ago, Phally was involved in a road accident when another motorcycle collided with hers, causing her to fall to the ground. She sustained a left femoral neck fracture, resulting in severe hip pain and an inability to walk or bear weight on her left leg. After the accident, she went to a private clinic where X-rays confirmed the fracture and surgery was recommended. However, she could not afford the cost of treatment. Later, a relative who knew about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), advised her to come for further evaluation and care. On February 18th, surgeons will perform a left hip hemi-arthroplasty procedure, which will relieve her pain, restore strength and mobility in her hip, and allow her to walk and carry out daily activities independently. She can afford to pay $100, and needs help raising $612 more to fund her procedure and care. Phally said, “After the surgery, I hope my hip will be strong again, so I can walk without pain and return to my daily activities. I want to be independent and not rely on others for everything.”

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."