Elizabeth is a child from Kenya. Elizabeth is the youngest in a family of three children. Her parents separated a few weeks after she was born, and they returned to their ancestral home to stay with their grandparents. They are now living in Gataka town, where they have rented a single-roomed house. To earn a living, her mother sells watermelons to provide for them. Elizabeth injured herself while playing, waiting for her friends to go home after school. She was not in pain at the moment and went home. When she got home, the pain intensified suddenly, and her mother had to rush her to a nearby hospital. She was in excruciating pain and could not use her right hand. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 13th, Elizabeth will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. She will heal properly and continue with schooling. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. Elizabeth’s grandmother says, “After all we have been through, it is very painful to see Elizabeth having an injured arm. We really want her to be treated and be well.”

Oeun is a 19-year-old construction worker who lives with his parents and younger brother. Both of his parents are rice farmers, while Oeun and his brother stopped school when they reached the age of 16 in order to work and help support the family. His younger brother works as a motorbike mechanic, and Oeun recently got a job in construction. On October 10th, Oeun was leaving work on his motorbike when a tuk tuk turned a corner and crashed into him. He was rushed to a nearby clinic for a broken shoulder and the loss of one toe. A couple of days later, Oeun's mother brought him to a traditional healer in the village because of pain and swelling in his right shoulder. Since then, his pain has not improved. He is having difficulty sleeping because of the discomfort, and in performing every day activities, as he is unable to lift his arm. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 8th, Oeun will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. This procedure will unite the fracture, and allow Oeun to move his arm easily again. Oeun shared: "I hope I can move my arm again and go back to work to help my family."

Mary is a 53-year-old who has been a widow since 2010 raising her two kids with challenges. Her older son has autism and requires full time attention. Her last-born daughter recently graduated from college and does not have a source of income yet. Mary lives in her ancestral home. She has not been able to pay her monthly insurance medical premiums so does not have coverage and has been relying on her relatives to support her medical bills. Mary feels in pain and uncomfortable. She has been having stomach pains for the last six months. She went to a local government hospital in central Kenya and was treated for amoeba and stomach pains. She was relieved for a short while, but the pains recurred. Almost a month later the pain increased and was accompanied by vomiting. She opted to visit Kijabe Hospital, where she was reviewed and the pain was controlled. She was requested to do a colonoscopy and other tests to get a detailed diagnosis. Since she was feeling better after the review, she did not follow up on the plan due to financial constraints. However, six months later the symptoms recurred and she came back in January. Her tests and a biopsy revealed cancer in the colon that needs urgent attention as it is life threatening. Mary has now been scheduled for a right hemicolectomy procedure. One side of the infected colon (large intestine) will be removed to avoid metastasis. Sadly, she is financially constrained. Her friends at home have requested time, two months, to be able to find the required amount for the surgery. This is a long period considering the case is cancerous. She appeals for support so she can undergo treatment now. Our medical partner is requesting $1,074 to fund her surgery and help her fight the cancer. Mary says, “I have been in pain for over six months now. I thought it would be relieved, but the diagnosis is now shockingly cancer. I need this surgery to stop the disease.”