Dennis is an 18-year-old boy from Kenya. He is being raised by his single mother, who is a casual laborer who relies on seasonal farm work and domestic jobs to provide for Dennis and his three siblings. From infancy, Dennis was a frail child who was frequently ill and required constant care. He experienced significant developmental delays, taking his first steps when he was nearly three years old. While his physical milestones came late, it was his lack of speech that concerned his mother the most. She longed to hear him speak, but Dennis remained unusually quiet. She would talk to him, and he would simply look back at her without responding. Instead of using words, he learned to communicate by lifting or pointing to objects whenever he needed something, a pattern that has continued throughout his life. When Dennis was three years old, he was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, where fluid was drained from his ears. Unfortunately, this did not improve his condition. As he grew older, his mother enrolled him in school, but he consistently lagged behind his peers. Over the years, he adapted by relying on lip reading and sign language to communicate. Because of his hearing loss, he depends on watching his teachers' lips closely to follow lessons and understand what is being taught. Despite these challenges, Dennis performed well during his primary school years. However, the transition to secondary school has been much more difficult, as the academic demands have increased. On July 7th, Dennis will be fitted with hearing aids, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help raising $1,171. The gift of hearing aids would significantly improve Dennis' ability to communicate, participate in class, and reach his full potential. His mother is appealing for support to make this life-changing intervention possible, giving Dennis the opportunity for a brighter and more independent future. "Sometimes when I read aloud in class or say certain words, the other children laugh at me. I want to hear better so I can read and speak with confidence," Dennis said quietly.

Vuthy is a 21-year-old day laborer from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham Province with his parents, who work as day laborers. He is the fourth of five siblings. His three older siblings are married, and his youngest sister is in Grade 12. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball with his friends in the village. About six months ago, Vuthy was involved in a motor vehicle accident that fractured his left upper arm. He underwent surgery at a private clinic, but the bone became infected and did not heal properly, resulting in a chronic wound and a radial nerve injury. He experiences persistent pain, stiffness, and pus discharge from the wound on his left upper arm. The radial nerve injury also prevents him from lifting his wrist or straightening his fingers, making it difficult to use his left hand for work and daily activities. When Vuthy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 4th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the damaged and infected tissue from his left upper arm, helping control the infection and promote wound healing. This is an important first step before further reconstructive procedures to restore the function of his arm and hand. Vuthy's family can contribute $50, but needs help to raise $367 more to fund his procedure and care. Vuthy said, “I hope this surgery will remove the infection, heal my arm, and help me regain the use of my hand so I can return to my normal life and become independent again.”

Sroeurn is a 56-year-old man from Kratie Province in Cambodia. He and his wife have two children. Sroeurn's wife sells biscuits, and he often helps her with her work and around the home. Their oldest child sells groceries, and their youngest repairs cars. One month ago, Sroeurn slipped and fell at home and experienced spinal deformity and lower back pain as a result. Since the injury, it has been difficult for him to walk and perform daily activities, making him increasingly dependent on his family. When seeking treatment from a traditional Khmer therapist and taking medication did not improve his condition, Sroeurn was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), for treatment. Fortunately, CSC can help Sroeurn receive the care he needs. On April 8th, he will undergo a hip hemiarthroplasty procedure, during which the surgeons will operate on his left hip to stabilize the fracture, relieve his pain, and restore his ability to walk. This surgery offers Sroeurn physical healing as well as the opportunity to regain his independence, rebuild his strength, and return to his daily life with renewed hope. Sroeurn's family contributed $50 to his care and need help raising $662 more to fund the cost of his surgery. Sroeurn said, "Since my fall, I've had constant lower back pain and trouble walking. The treatments I tried didn't help, and I hope further care will improve my condition and help me move normally again."