Mbula is a young girl from Tanzania. She has one sibling and lives with her family in a remote area far from the city; it’s hard for them to access basic social services. Mbula is raised by two loving parents who are farmers. They depend on their harvest to provide for their family. With the recent years' weather changing and droughts, it has been hard for them because they cannot depend on the rainy season for agriculture. This has made it difficult to sustain food at home. Mbula was diagnosed with genu varus, which causes her legs to bow outward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she has difficulty walking and running.. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for $880 to fund corrective surgery for Mbula. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 2nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Mbula's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Mbula’s mother says, “I feel sorry for my daughter, she has to go through pain almost every day.”

Nicholas is a 40-year-old from Kenya and a dad to two daughters. Nicholas works a variety of labor jobs, and his wife is a homemaker. They also have a small piece of land where they plant maize. Their oldest daughter is in high school, while their youngest is in primary school. Nicolas was recently injured while working with a team preparing animal feeds. He was carrying a hay machine when one of the screws broke, causing Nicolas to receive a deep cut on his left hand and a broken radius (wrist). He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where the wound was sutured and dressed, and Nicolas returned home with an arm sling and medication to help with the pain. When he returned a few days later, the doctors confirmed that he needs an implant to stabilize the fracture. As this facility does not have a surgeon, Nicolas visited our medical partner’s care center for further treatment. The medical team stabilized the fracture with a splint and arm sling. Nicholas also spoke with the orthopedic surgeon, who told him that he must undergo surgery to align the broken bone. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. After the swelling subsides, Nicholas will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, on February 27th. This procedure will relieve his pain and allow his fracture to heal properly so he can return to work and care for his family. AMH is requesting $1,145 to fund this procedure. Nicholas said: “I have always worked hard in order to ensure that my family doesn’t lack. My hand is now injured, and I cannot work to earn a living. It is sad, but I am grateful to God for the gift of life. Kindly help me so that I may continue providing for my family.”

Saravotey is a 12-year-old student in grade three. She is an only child and lives with her mother and grandparents in Phnom Penh province. Sadly, her father was killed in a tragic accident one year ago. Her mother is a food seller from a grocery store in front of the family home, and her grandparents help to take care of her. As an only child, she usually plays alone but enjoys playing a traditional folk game that is popular for Cambodian children to play. In school, she likes mathematics and has decided she wants to be a superstar! Ten days ago, she placed plastic in both her ears. Both of her ears are now painful and swollen. She cannot hear well, will not attend school, and is very unhappy. Doctors attempted to remove it manually but were unsuccessful. Saravotey will need to be under sedation to have the foreign bodies removed. Saravotey traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On March 3rd, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the masses in her ears. Now, Saravotey's family needs help to raise $273 to fund this procedure. Her mother said: "I am concerned about something my daughter put in her ear may destroy her ear drum and get hearing loss forever. I hope the doctors can remove it."