Eve Christa is a joyful 11-month-old baby girl baby girl from Burundi. When her older twin brothers were born, her parents hoped for one more child, a little girl to complete their family. When Eve Christa was born, it felt like a miracle. For seven months, Eve Christa developed as a healthy, calm baby girl. Her brothers adored her. One day, Eve Christa's mother left her for a few hours with a trusted neighbor, so she could go to the market. Eve Christa was seven months old. Upon returning back home, she found her daughter severely burned. Her neighbor shared that there was an accident in the kitchen and Eve Christa sustained the burns from boiling hot water. Eve Christa's mother rushed her to the hospital, where she was admitted for several days. She was in pain and even with medication, she would scream through the night. Her mother slept beside her, holding her hand and praying for the pain to go away. When the wounds began to heal, the doctors shared more heartbreaking news; the severe burns had caused contractures on Eve Christa's hands. Her skin had tightened, and her fingers could not move properly. She struggles to crawl and grab toys, but it's difficult, given her condition. She still experiences pain due to the condition. A specialist advised that Eve Christa needed to undergo a contracture release and a skin graft, so her hands could regain function. The news worried Eve Christa's parents. Her mother is a homemaker, while her father works casual jobs to help sustain the family. His income is often not enough for their living expenses. One of Eve Christa’s older twin brother also has hearing problems, that needs treatment that the family cannot afford. Fortunately, our medical partner, is helping Eve Christa receive treatment. On August 18th, surgeons will perform a skin graft procedure to release the contractures, so her fingers can move again. This will give her a chance to use her hands to play, eat, and even write one day. Now, Eve Christa's family needs help to fund this $375 procedure. Eve Christa's mother said, “Please, I am sincerely seeking your support. I do not have a job, and my husband’s modest income is only enough for food. Christa was born healthy, but now cannot use her hands due to the burns. Please help my baby girl so she can get relief from the pain."

Sisay is a healthcare worker from Ethiopia. At just 26 years old, this young man is a vital heartbeat for the healthcare center where he works. As a key member of the staff, he serves as the bridge between the clinic and the community. At home, he is the pillar for his two siblings, balancing the roles of breadwinner and protector. However, a grueling battle with chronic tonsillitis is slowly silencing the very voice he needs to build his career, and has made it challenging to do his work. Sisay shares how heartbreaking it is when the illness breaks his focus, keeping him from the job he loves. About one and a half years ago, Sisay began experiencing a difficulty in breathing, fever, pain, and exhaustion. Every day is a grueling battle against a searing sore throat, transforming his essential duties, from warmly greeting patients to managing a relentless stream of phone calls, into a profound and painful struggle. Sisay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Despite the constant pain, he continued to serve at his local health station. He knew a tonsillectomy was necessary, but a lack of specialized doctors and medical equipment in his area kept that relief out of reach. The moment he heard about a new opportunity for care at our medical partner's care center, he was filled with hope. He arrived at Saglan Waje General Hospital, clutching his referral papers, ready for a second chance. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Sisay, which is scheduled to take place on March 7th. During the procedure, surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Sisay of his symptoms, and allowing him to go back to work with ease. Sisay says: "I am so excited for the opportunity to interact freely with my siblings again, instead of just collapsing into bed exhausted every night. I feel ready to truly show up for my patients as well as my siblings, and build the stable, happy future we all deserve together."

Thida is a 63-year-old woman from Kampong Cham province. She previously worked as a rice farmer but is now retired. She currently lives with her niece, who works in a garment factory. Her favorite hobbies are visiting the pagoda and attending religious ceremonies. About six months ago, Thida developed a cataract in her right eye, causing itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. 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 Thida learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, Thida needs help to fund this $263 procedure. Thida says, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so that I can easily recognize people, attend ceremonies, help my niece with household chores, take care of her children, and no longer worry about my eyesight."