Believe is a six-month-old and the youngest of six children from Tanzania. His mother works hard to support her children on her own by farming maize. Her earnings are enough to cover lunch and dinner for her family, but little is left to meet additional expenses. Believe was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is turned inward, making it difficult to wear shoes and walk without discomfort. Believe's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, to seek care. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on October 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Believe's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his feet will develop properly, allowing him to wear regular shoes and live an active childhood. “I worried that I could not afford treatment for my son. I am grateful that Kafika House has given us hope and the chance for him to grow up able to walk comfortably,” says Believe's mother.

Tha is a 64-year-old retired construction worker from Cambodia. She is a widow, has one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren. She lives with her daughter, who is a construction worker. Tha likes to take care of her grandchildren and make food for them. About one year ago, Tha developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Tha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for six hours seeking treatment. On October 30th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Tha shared, "I hope after surgery, I can see better easily and take care of my grandchildren. I hope to go to far places and do my housework, and maybe I can grow crops at home."

Srey Touch is a 50-year-old mother of four from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, who lives with her husband, a fish farmer. They have four children: two work in factories, one works in Korea, and another is a waitress. In her free time, Srey Touch enjoys chatting with friends in her village and spending time with her family. About three years ago, Srey Touch slipped and fell in her backyard, causing a fracture of her right kneecap. After the injury, she sought treatment from a traditional Khmer healer, but the condition did not fully recover. Although she was initially able to walk with only mild discomfort, her knee pain has gradually worsened over time. She now experiences increasing pain and difficulty walking, which affects her mobility and makes daily activities more challenging. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On June 2nd, Srey Touch will undergo a fracture repair procedure. Surgeons will perform a partial patellectomy or tension band wiring to repair the fractured kneecap and improve knee function. This procedure is expected to reduce pain, improve walking ability, and help her regain greater independence in her daily activities. She can contribute $100, but needs help raising $500 more to fund her procedure and care. Srey Touch said, “I hope this surgery will relieve my knee pain and help me walk comfortably again so I can return to my normal daily activities.”