Milia is a 5-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the oldest of three children. He is a very active boy who enjoys making cars from wood and used bottles. He dreams of driving big trucks. Milia’s father is a pastoralist who depends on livestock for the family’s livelihood. Although life has been challenging, the family holds strong hopes for Milia’s future. They dream of seeing him walk comfortably, attend school, and grow with normal legs. Milia was diagnosed with bilateral varus; both his legs were bending outward as he grew older. Several factors can cause this condition, including growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride 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. They believe that the corrective surgery will help straighten his legs and prevent long-term disability. His family is seeking support to give their child a healthy and active future. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Milia. The procedure is scheduled for January 19th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Milia's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Milia's father says, "Living off herding cattle is good for the village life, but when I learnt of the cost for his treatment, it got me worried that I won't be able to afford the surgery, and he might end up living life with this deformity."

Jimmy is a resilient husband from the Philippines. His children already have families of their own, and he does not rely on them financially. Instead, Jimmy and his wife depend mainly on his pension to meet their daily needs. He once worked abroad to sustain his family. However, due to physical pain and the effects of aging, he now hopes to undergo surgery so he can recover and return to work without worry. Four years ago, Jimmy developed an umbilical hernia. This hernia causes him pain on his side and after eating. It also gives him so much discomfort that he prefers not to move at times. Before his illness, Jimmy stayed active by playing basketball, but today he spends most of his time at home with his wife. His family encourages him to have the operation, so he no longer has to suffer. Fortunately, on April 17th, Jimmy will undergo a 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 Jimmy's treatment. Our medical partner is requesting the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "I am very grateful for this surgery. I know that my discomfort will go away after the operation. I am quite optimistic about moving normally again," says Jimmy.

Kanhara is a 38-year-old mother of two and a factory worker from Kandal Province, Cambodia. She lives with her husband and their two children. Her husband works in a factory, her eldest child repairs motorcycles, while her youngest child is in Grade 8. In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her family, doing household chores, and planting vegetables around her home. In April 2025, Kanhara was involved in a road traffic accident that caused a fracture of the middle shaft of her right upper arm. After the injury, she sought treatment from a traditional Khmer healer, but the fracture did not heal properly. She experiences ongoing pain in her right arm and is unable to lift or use it normally. The injury makes it difficult for her to work, perform household tasks, and carry out daily activities independently. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 2nd, Kanhara will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $592. Surgeons will perform fixation with a plate and screws, along with bone grafting to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. This procedure will help reduce pain, improve arm strength and function, and allow her to return to work and daily activities more comfortably. Kanhara said, “I hope this surgery will help my arm heal well so I can use it normally again, work without pain, and continue supporting my family.”