Elibaraka is a 12-year-old student from Tanzania. He is the third child in his family of four kids. He attends a boarding school for most of the year, and when is home with his family, he helps care for his mother. Elibaraka experienced a serious fire accident in 2015 that caused him to receive burns across his body. He received treatment at that time to care for his wounds, but he is now experiencing burn scars that are making it challenging for him to use his hand. He visited our medical partner’s care center for treatment. On February 27th, Elibaraka will undergo burn contracture release surgery that will allow him to be able to use his hand pain-free. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $639 to fund Elibaraka’s procedure. Elibaraka shared: “I know it will be hard for my mother to afford the treatment, but I hope it will be possible for me to get treatment.”

Loy is a 73-year-old grandmother living in Cambodia with her husband, two children, and three grandchildren. She is a retired rice farmer and spends her time caring for her husband who is disabled. In her free time, she likes to visit the pagoda in her local village. About ten years ago, Loy developed a cataract in her left eye. The cataract causes her irritation, blurry vision, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, thus is unable to travel on her own. When Loy learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for over two hours to seek treatment. Luckily, surgeons at CSC were able to quickly diagnose Loy's issue, and create a treatment plan. On April 24th, surgeons will perform cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. CSC is requesting $253 to help fund this procedure. She said, "I hope after this surgery my eye can see well again so I can take care of my husband well."

Sombo is a 40-year-old father and street cart owner from Cambodia. He and his wife earn a living by selling beef sandwiches from their street cart. They have one son, who is in the first grade. In his free time, Sombo likes to learn more styles of cooking to make their food cart more successful. In mid-April, Sombo was in a motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his right knee. Consequently, it is difficult for him to walk and he is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On May 2nd, Sombo will undergo a fracture repair procedure that will help him walk easily again. CSC is requesting $483 to fund this procedure. Sombo contributed $85 to his care. Sombo shared: "After surgery, I hope that the fracture will heal and I can go back to work and spend time with my son."