Loise is the third born in a family of eight children. She's in the 5th grade and is passionate about reading. She aspires to become a doctor. Her mother is a homemaker and her father is a teacher. Loise’s clubfoot was diagnosed shortly after birth. Her left foot was turned inward and downward. Due to the lack of hospital services in their region, Loise has had to live with this condition which affects her mobility. Loise’s medical journey began with a visit to a mobile clinic where she was seen by an orthopaedic specialist. The doctor recommended that she start with serial casting, a gentle and effective treatment for clubfoot purposed to soften the tissues and realign her bones before surgery. She is presently in the hospital undergoing serial casting and needs to undergo a surgical procedure that will make it possible for her to wear shoes, walk upright, improve her self-esteem, and continue her education. Her surgery is scheduled for February 28th and her family is raising $1,224 to cover the cost of care. Loise said: “I am looking forward to walk upright without pain and continue with my education.”

Angela is a 62-year-old woman with two grown sons. During her childhood, her dream was to be a teacher however she has to stop school at Primary 6 due to financial constraints. She is married and she and her husband farm for a living. They live in a traditional mud house in southwestern Uganda. Two years ago, Angela began experiencing lower abdominal pain and backache. Due to limited finances, Angela had never seen a doctor but when symptoms became severe, she decided to seek medical help and was diagnosed with premalignant cervical lesion. She needs to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. On February 22nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery at Karoli Lwanga Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund this procedure. Once she has recovered, Angela will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. She says, “I hope for a complete recovery and I have faith that I will get better.”

Mostafa is a 25-year-old restaurant promoter. He lives in Phnom Penh with his mother and three siblings. His mother runs a street cart selling drinks, and his siblings help support the family in other jobs. When he's not working, Mostafa enjoys playing soccer, and spending time with his brothers. In mid-December, Mostafa was in a motorbike accident, and dislocated his left elbow. Right after the accident, he sought treatment at a nearby clinic, but his arm has not yet healed. He is in chronic pain, and has limited function in his left arm due to stiffness. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 15th, Mostafa will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This surgery will enable Mostafa to regain the full use of his arm. Mostafa shared: "I hope I can use my arm like before the accident, so I can work and drive my motorbike more easily."