Den is a 20-year-old university student, living with his parents in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia. His parents are rice farmers, while his two sisters work in a local factory. His brother is currently in the tenth grade. When Den isn't studying, he likes to play football with his friends. In September 2021, Den was in a motorbike collision, and dislocated his shoulder, while also fracturing his tibia. He was treated for both of his injuries at a local hospital. Recently, however, his shoulder dislocated again, and Den visited a Khmer healer for care. But his shoulder remains stiff and painful. Doctors have now diagnosed Den with chronic shoulder dislocation, and they have recommended a bone graft and a muscle/tendon transfer, to reattach the torn cartilage and to tighten the tendons in his shoulder. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On January 4th, Den will undergo a fracture repair procedure at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will cost $483. Den is hopeful that this procedure will stabilize his shoulder, and that he will have no more problems. Den said: "I hope the doctors can fix my shoulder so I can concentrate on school and have no more pain."

Vanis is a 60 year old small-scale farmer. She and her husband - who passed away in 2021 - had eleven children, of whom nine are still alive. Vanis had to leave school because of a lack of the fees necessary to remain in school, and of her children, only her youngest has been able to be educated. Over 20 years ago, Vanis began to experience troubling symptoms, including a small neck swelling that later started progressing in size. She initially thought it was a temporary condition, and resorted to using herbs, which did not help to relieve her symptoms. After delivering her first five children, she underwent a thyroidectomy, and she felt better. However, her symptoms recurred after she gave birth to six more children, and this time, the swelling was larger than it had ever been. She finds that she is unable to carry loads on her head, and she will occasionally experience difficulty breathing. Vanis has been diagnosed with a non-toxic, multinodular goiter, and she needs surgery to resolve her condition. Her family cannot afford to pay for her treatment, but our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, has stepped up to help Vanis access the care that she needs. They are requesting $333 to fund Vanis' procedure, which is scheduled to take place on December 3rd, at Rushoroza Hospital, and which will ensure that Vanis' symptoms do not get worse over time. Vanis says: “I pray that I may be considered for treatment so that I may live a normal life once again. I will continue with farming as soon as possible.”

Abel is a two-month-old baby from Tanzania. He lives with his parents and six siblings in the Maasai community of Namalulu. Abel was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which will make it difficult for Abel to wear shoes or walk. Fortunately, Abel was brought to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Now he is scheduled to undergo clubfoot repair surgery on March 17th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $935 to fund Abel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and live a life free from discomfort. Abel’s father says: “It is our hope that Abel gets treatment and has a good life ahead.”