Naf is a second-grader from Ethiopia. This eight-year-old and proud big brother is known for being very smart and loving to learn. For over four years, he has quietly suffered from severe tonsil problems. The symptoms worsened over the past year, interrupting a happy childhood supported by his father, a teacher who helps with his studies, and his mother, who works hard at a hair salon. Every day is a struggle for Naf. He misses a lot of school because of his health. He has trouble sleeping, struggles to breathe, breathes through his mouth during the day, and has speech issues that make it hard to talk to others. His family cares for him deeply, but the mounting medical bills have made it hard to pay for the specialized care he urgently needs. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Naf, which is scheduled to take place on September 26th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Naf of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Naf's parents shared, "We cannot wait to get the surgery done so he can smile and play like the happy, energetic kid he was four years ago."

Ouksa is a 19-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He is married and currently lives with his wife and parents. The entire family works to farm rice for a living. Ouksa enjoys playing volleyball with his friends in the village during his free time. About three years ago, Ouksa was bitten by a snake on his left hand. He received treatment at a local hospital and was later transferred to another facility for wound debridement. Although the wound healed, he developed a scar contracture affecting his left wrist and hand. The scar contracture limits the movement of his left wrist and makes it difficult for him to use his dominant hand for daily activities and farming. This affects his ability to work comfortably and independently. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Ouksa with his treatment. On August 13th, surgeons at their care center will perform a contracture release surgery to improve the movement and function of his left wrist and hand, making it easier for him to return to his normal daily life. His family can contribute $25, but needs help raising $547 more to fund his procedure and care. Ouksa said, “I hope the surgery will improve the movement and function of my left hand so I can return to farming, do my daily activities more easily, and use my hand independently again.”

Feyisa is a 74-year-old farmer from Ethiopia who has spent his whole life working the land with his wife, who farms alongside him. Together they raised three children, one son and two daughters. His children are grown now and have built their lives elsewhere, but he remains close to his family and shares his home with his wife and his grandson. One year ago, doctors found cataracts in both of his eyes. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, blurring vision. At the time, his eyes were not ready for surgery, so he had to wait. Through those long months, his sight kept fading. He can no longer judge distances or see clearly where he is going. Walking around his own home has become risky, and he can barely make out the faces of the people he loves. He depends on his wife and his grandson to guide him through each day and care for him. Fortunately, Feyisa is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on October 28th. Surgeons will remove and replace the blurred lens in both eyes. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is asking for help to raise $300 to fund this procedure. Feyisa's wife shared, "After a long year of waiting in the blur, we look forward to the day he sees clearly again, moves around safely, and lives on his own terms."