Imani is a 4-year-old boy from Tanzania. His family resides in Karatu, a small district located in the Arusha region. He is the second born among three children. His mother, a farmer, takes care of him and his siblings with the invaluable assistance of his grandfather. He has recently started school and enjoys spending time with his new friends there. His fmaily hopes that he can continue with school and do well there as he grows. One of his favorite activities is his art class, where he already likes to draw and paint. Imani was diagnosed with genu varus, also known as bow legs. This condition may present from infancy through adulthood and has a wide variety of causes including excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. It causes lateral knee thrusting and a waddling gait. It can also impact his hips and ankles as the condition continues to worsen. As a result, he cannot walk and play like his friends and other students. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), was able to create a treatment plan for Imani. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 1st. Treatment will hopefully restore Imani's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 to help fund corrective surgery for Imani. Imani’s mother says: “I wish for my son to be able to walk and play without falling repeatedly. I have high hopes that this treatment will significantly improve his life and bring about positive changes for him.”

Panha is a 7-year-old second grader who lives with his parents on the southern coast of Cambodia. His mother works in a nearby canned food factory, and his dad works in construction. Panha loves creating art, eating Cambodian street food, and learning Cambodian culture and history at school. In July 2022, Panha was playing at home when he accidentally knocked over a boiling pot and sustained burns on the lower part of his body. Burn scar contractures have developed around his hip and groin, making it difficult for him to walk or attend school comfortably. When Panha's family learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On May 16th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help Panha walk easily and feel comfortable again. CSC is requesting $495 to fund this procedure. Panha's family contributed $100 to his care. Panha's mom said, "I hope Panha feels better after surgery and can focus at school."

Sorn is a 49-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives in Takeo province with his wife, son, and daughter. His wife is a seamstress at a local clothes factory, his son is a construction worker, and his daughter manages the house and cooks for the family. In his free time, Sorn likes to fish or find crabs in the rice fields. In early July, Sorn was on his motorbike when he collided with a small truck. He fractured both his right tibia and his right ulna. Sorn had surgery at a local government hospital but his leg incision site has become infected. He experiences pain, swelling, and discharge from the wound. Sorn is currently unable to walk and cannot work. When Sorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 19th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the damaged and infected tissue from Sorn's wound. Now, Sorn needs help to fund this $324 procedure. Sorn said, "after surgery, I hope my leg will heal and I will walk normally again."