Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.

Sokhon is a 62-year-old man from Siem Reap, Cambodia. He and his wife are rice farmers. They have two daughters, one son, and five grandchildren. His daughters work in garment factories, and his son works in construction. In his free time, he enjoys watching funny movies. About one year ago, Sokhon developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him 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. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, and is unable to go places on his own. When Sokhon learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for 7 hours to seek treatment. On May 8th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $163 more to fund his procedure and care. Sokhon said, "I hope that after surgery, my vision will improve so that I can see clearly again, return to planting rice, and travel to far places more easily and safely."

Bridget is a 28-year-old woman from Uganda. Born into a family of eight children, Bridget completed a civil engineering course, but has so far not been able to secure employment. Presently, she practices small-scale farming to earn some income to meet family needs. Her husband, also a qualified engineer, has been able to find a job within his profession, and works as a boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) driver, working hard to supplement his wife's income. During her free time, Bridget enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Bridget is currently expecting her first child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Bridget undergo a C-Section on February 17th. This procedure will cost $214, and Bridget needs your support. Bridget says, "I earnestly seek your support. I am a professional engineer, but with no job, and the little income we get is from my husband, who is a boda-boda rider, and a little from our small farm. I look forward to becoming a mother."