Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

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."

Yuon is a 33-year-old ceiling installer from Cambodia. He lives in Banteay Meanchey Province with his parents, who are rice farmers. He is divorced and has two children, who live with their mother. In his free time, he helps his parents in the rice fields and enjoys playing volleyball with his friends. In April 2025, Yuon was involved in an accident that caused an open fracture of his right shinbone. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, the fracture got infected and failed to heal properly. The injury causes persistent pain and prevents him from walking. As a result, he has been unable to work or carry out his normal daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On July 6th, Yuon will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $600. A circular frame and bone transport procedure will gradually reconstruct his right tibia by encouraging new bone growth. Although recovery will take about a year, the treatment is expected to restore the bone, improve his ability to walk, and help him return to work and daily life. Yuon said, “I understand my treatment will take a while, but I hope it will give me the chance to walk again and live independently. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”