Sok Le is a smiling 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veng province with his parents, grandmother, and six-year-old brother. Since Sok Le is too young for school, he stays at home, cared for by his grandmother, while his parents cultivate rice. His favorite meal is fish soup, and he delights in spending time outdoors, playing with his collection of toy cars. Sok Le has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. Sok Le's family traveled three and a half hours to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), seeking help. Fortunately, the surgeons at CSC can provide the needed treatment. They will perform left tendo-Achilles lengthening surgery to correct the foot equinus (pointing down) position on January 9th. After the surgery, Sok Le's foot will be put in a cast as he recovers. CSC is requesting $444 to fund Sok Le's clubfoot repair. After recovery, his ankle will flex with more range and Sok Le hopefully will be able to walk like other children and wear shoes. Sok Le's mother shared: "We hope after this, Sok Le will walk like other children without pain, and keep up with others when they play."

Two-year-old Jimmy is the last born child in a family of five children from Lilongwe District in Malawi. Jimmy's parents are small-scale farmers, growing maize for consumption and income for the family. Jimmy has for some time been experiencing on-and-off pain and swelling on the left side of his inguinal region. Worried, his mother brought him to our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Jimmy was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, and surgery was recommended. However, his mother expressed that the family would not be able to afford the cost of surgery. If left untreated, Jimmy will continue experiencing pain and the condition might lead to a strangulated hernia, cutting off blood flow, which can be life-threatening. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Jimmy receive treatment. On April 10th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a hernia repair surgery to alleviate Jimmy's pain, and prevent any potential risks and complications. Now, Jimmy's family needs help to fund this $421 procedure. Jimmy’s mother says, “It is my wish for my son to receive treatment and get well soon.”

Larah is a toddler from Haiti. She lives with her parents and older sister in a small village in the mountains of central Haiti. She likes dressing up and going to church. Larah has two cardiac conditions called ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart, and a second hole exists between two major blood vessels near her heart. Blood leaks through these holes, leaving her weak and short of breath. Larah will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On February 29th, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the larger hole, and tie shut the smaller hole, so that blood can no longer leak through them. Another organization, HeartGift Foundation, is contributing $15,000 to pay for surgery, but Larah's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery preparation. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and preop and postop appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the help of social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Larah's family overseas. Larah's mother said: "Our family thinks it is a miracle that our daughter has this chance to travel for her surgery!"