Lonyori is a 6-year-old child from Tanzania. He is the first born child of two in his family. Lonyori has a young sister, Mengori, who also has a similar health condition. Lonyori's parents are small scale farmers of maize and vegetables. They make extra income by selling these crops and also working casual laboring jobs when they can. Lonyori was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, or knock knees. His legs bow inward so that his knees touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he is unable to walk for a long distance and he complains of pain after a long day. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Lonyori. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 9th. Treatment will hopefully restore Lonyori's mobility and allow him to walk comfortably again. It will also prevent his risk of future complications with his legs. Lonyori’s uncle shared, "My nephew is struggling a lot and his parents can’t afford this treatment cost. They are struggling to make ends meet, and they did not have enough to travel to this hospital with Lonyori, so I helped to bring him. Please help my nephew get this treatment.”

Bunthan is a 39-year-old market worker from Cambodia. He has been married for 12 years and has 3 children - 2 sons and 1 daughter who are all in school. His wife also sells things for a living. Currently, Bunthan and his family live with his parents, as they are elderly and he helps to support them. In Bunthan's free time, he likes to exercise, read the news, listen to the radio, and play games on his phone. He also enjoys taking his family outside for walks on the weekend. In November 2020, Buntham was in a motor accident that caused a new fracture of his left femur - he shared that he previously fractured his leg about 12 years ago. Buntham came to Children's Surgical Centre to seek treatment for his fracture, reporting symptoms of chronic pain and inability to walk without support. On January 13th, Bunthan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $465. Surgeons plan to exchange the nail on his left femur to help stabilize his leg and assist with healing the new fracture. This procedure will relieve him of pain and help him to walk easily again. Bunthan shared, "I hope that after my surgery that I can fully recover and walk with my family again."

Vannak is a rice farmer with four daughters. She lives with her eldest daughter, who is a grocery seller. Three years ago, Vannak developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Vannak learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours with her daughter seeking treatment. On January 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see more clearly and walk around outside confidently. Now, she needs help to fund this $229 procedure. Vannak shared, "I want to see well again so I can help my daughter take care of her children and be able to visit the pagoda."