Sineth is a 13-year-old 8th grade student from Kampong Cham Province in Cambodia. She lives with her parents and younger sister, who is in Grade 4. Her parents are rice farmers and work hard to support their family. Sineth enjoys studying Khmer literature, which is her favorite subject at school, and hopes to become a doctor in the future. In her free time, she likes listening to music and chatting with her friends. Her favorite food is fried pork with ginger. Sineth has scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, often resembling a "C" or "S" shape. Her spinal curve has gradually worsened over the past three years and is now approximately 50 degrees in the thoracolumbar region. Although she does not currently experience pain, the increasing curvature affects her posture and makes it difficult for her to sit comfortably for long periods. This can make it harder for her to stay comfortable and concentrate during class, and the curvature may continue to worsen as she grows. Sineth's family was referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), by another hospital. They traveled approximately four hours from Kampong Cham to seek specialized care. On August 17th, surgeons at CSC plan to perform posterior spinal fusion to help straighten and stabilize her spine and prevent the curvature from worsening. She needs $1,500 in support to cover the cost of her surgery and related medical care. This treatment will help support her spinal health as she continues to grow and allow her to remain active and continue her education. Sineth's parents said, “We hope that this surgery will help straighten and stabilize our daughter’s spine and prevent her scoliosis from getting worse. We wish for her to grow well, stay active, and continue her studies and daily activities with confidence and comfort.”

Salome is a six-year-old girl from Malawi, and a Primary 2 student. To earn a living, her mother sells freezies in town, while her father does casual work. Three years ago, Salome was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, a condition that occurs when abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles, causing a bulge in the groin area. Due to the condition, she has been experiencing abdominal pain, loss of appetite, on and off swelling episodes that have affected her daily living. Her parents cannot afford surgery treatment, and it's also taken a toll on Salome's mother's business, as she spends most of her time attending to Salome. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Salome receive treatment. On September 9th, she will undergo hernia repair surgery at Partners in Hope Medical Center. Salome's mother is hopeful for her daughter's better health. The family is seeking to raise $575 to fund the procedure. Salome's mother says: "I believe surgery will change the life of my daughter, by bringing comfort to her life. You are my last hope, and I believe my child's life will not be the same post-surgery, enabling me to concentrate on my business, while she puts more effort into her education."

Athia is a calm two-year-old girl from Burundi. When she first arrived at the hospital, she stayed close to her father and eventually fell asleep in his arms. She is the second-born child in a family of three children. Since the day she was born, her father noticed that a small area on her back looked different. The skin was darker than the rest, but at first, the family did not know what it meant. After Athia turned one, however, the area began to swell. Over time, it grew larger, eventually covering a significant part of her lower back. What had once been a small and uncertain concern had become a large mass that required specialized medical attention. Athia's father has traveled through several hospitals, with no curative treatment. He left Athia’s mother and their other children, and traveled with his daughter in search of the care she needs. The distance has been difficult, and the long hours of waiting have tested their patience. He brought her to Kibuye Hope Hospital, where doctors advised that the mass would need to be removed, and a skin graft applied. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Athia receive treatment. On September 16th, surgeons will perform a skin graft procedure to help her begin her journey towards healing and enable her to laugh freely, play without worry, grow with confidence, and dream about her future. Now, Athia needs help to fund this $375 procedure. Athia’s father said, "Since arriving here, I have been touched by the warm welcome and guidance we have received. I am truly grateful for the help given to my daughter. Before coming here, I had taken her to several hospitals in Bujumbura, which cost our family almost everything we had. I came here without knowing what kind of help we would receive, but by God’s grace, we have found hope. I pray that the journey ahead will be just as good."