Joshua is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania, the youngest of three children in his family. His parents rely on farming and livestock keeping for their livelihood, working hard each day to provide for their children. Joshua has clubfoot on left foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. The condition has affected Joshua's mobility and could limit his future independence if left untreated. Despite the challenges, his parents never lost hope. They believed that their son could be treated and patiently waited until he was old enough to begin care. When Joshua turned one year old, they started seeking treatment and traveled to a hospital where a corrective cast was placed. Fortunately, they met one of the former patients of our medical partner's care center, Kafika Hospital, who referred them for treatment support. Joshua requires multiple castings, followed by a tenotomy procedure and the use of a Foot Abduction Brace (FAB) for five years to ensure lasting correction and prevent recurrence of the condition. Joshua is scheduled to begin clubfoot treatment on June 23rd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $341 to fund Joshua's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his mobility will significantly improve. Joshua’s father said, “We have always believed that Joshua can be treated. Our dream is to see him walk, run, and grow up without limitations.”

Jimmy is a resilient husband from the Philippines. His children already have families of their own, and he does not rely on them financially. Instead, Jimmy and his wife depend mainly on his pension to meet their daily needs. He once worked abroad to sustain his family. However, due to physical pain and the effects of aging, he now hopes to undergo surgery so he can recover and return to work without worry. Four years ago, Jimmy developed an umbilical hernia. This hernia causes him pain on his side and after eating. It also gives him so much discomfort that he prefers not to move at times. Before his illness, Jimmy stayed active by playing basketball, but today he spends most of his time at home with his wife. His family encourages him to have the operation, so he no longer has to suffer. Fortunately, on April 17th, Jimmy will undergo a hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Jimmy's treatment. Our medical partner is requesting the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. "I am very grateful for this surgery. I know that my discomfort will go away after the operation. I am quite optimistic about moving normally again," says Jimmy.

Thou is a 57-year-old man from Cambodia. He is single and lives with his elderly mother and his brother, who is a rice farmer. He has six siblings, all of whom are married and live in nearby villages. Although they live separately, the family remains close and supports one another when needed. Because of his medical condition, he has been unable to work for about six years, and he and his elderly mother depend on family support. Thou has had a persistent wound on his left foot since 2001 after his foot was cut by a small stone. The wound gradually worsened due to nerve damage from Hansen’s disease, leading to recurrent non-healing ulcers and infection. The condition has made it difficult for him to stand, walk, or work. It limits his mobility, prevents him from working, and affects his independence in daily life. His doctors recommend an amputation of his left foot to prevent symptoms from getting worse. On March 4th, Tnhou will undergo an amputation with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. His family can contribute $100, but needs help raising $488 to fund Thou's surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Thou said, “After the surgery, I hope this treatment will help my wound heal, reduce the pain, and allow me to walk more comfortably again.”