Aliyah is a three-year-old child from Arusha, Tanzania. Her father, a police officer, is the family's primary breadwinner, while her mother sells charcoal to supplement their income. With a large family of five children, they often struggle to make ends meet. Aliyah was diagnosed with unilateral genu valgus or knock knees condition, which makes it difficult for her to walk easily. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards and may cause long-term joint damage. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $631 to fund Aliyah's treatment. The treatment is scheduled to begin on September 25th at Kafika House, our medical partner's care center. This will hopefully restore Aliyah's mobility, allowing her to participate in a variety of activities and greatly decreasing the risk of future medical complications. Aliyah's mother says: "I hope my daughter's treatment is successful, allowing her to grow up without constantly worrying about her legs and how they may affect her future."

Frank is a small-scale farmer from Bwanda Rwego Rukungiri district in southwestern Uganda. He is married and has five children. He grows crops to feed his family. He also does causal labor work in other people’s gardens. For five years, Frank has had a right inguinal hernia. This causes him pain that worsens when coughing, laughing, and lifting heavy loads. Fortunately, on September 3rd, he will undergo surgery and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund the procedure. Upon completion, this will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. Frank says, “My children are still in school and I am the only hope they have to provide for the family. In such ill health, I can’t work so I am unable to provide but I believe with your support, I will undergo surgery and will get well.”

Ton is a 75-year-old retired rice farmer. She and her elderly husband live in Kampong Thom province, about two and a half hours from the capital of Phnom Penh. Ton has a large family - one son, three daughters, and 12 grandchildren. She lives with her third daughter, who works as a tailor, and enjoys cooking for the family while also helping to care for her grandchildren. At home, Ton enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio, and visiting the local pagoda when she can. Several years ago, Ton developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Ton finds it frustrating that she cannot be as independent as she used to be, and spends a lot of time at home alone. 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 Ton learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On August 5th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Ton and her family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and need help raising $153 more to fund the procedure. Ton says: "I hope that after my surgery, I will be able to see better, enjoy being outdoors, and take care of myself."