Besufikad is a four-month-old baby boy and the first child of his mother from Ethiopia. His mother grew up in a rural area, raised by her parents, who were farmers. Unfortunately, when war broke out, her parents were killed, forcing her to flee to Addis Ababa. Besufikad's mother was working as a domestic worker but her employer asked her to leave when she told them she was pregnant. She lived on the streets and relied on others for food. When she went into labor, a friend took her to a health center, where she gave birth. Besufikad was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital condition that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. They visited a hospital where Besufikad was given a colostomy bag to help with his condition. Returning to the streets with Besufikad's health issues was difficult. Doctors suggested that they go to a charity home, where they stayed until Besufikad was given a schedule for his surgery. Besufikad will undergo surgery to correct his condition on August 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Besufikad's procedure and care. After his recovery, Besufikad will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Besufikad's mom said, “I hope my baby will get the necessary treatment and heal.”

Reldy is a 14-year-old teenage boy who enjoys having many siblings. His parents are farmers and work hard every day to support their family. Reldy has clubfoot on his right foot. He was also born with a condition called hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Because of this, he cannot stand or walk and can only crawl to move around. Fortunately, Reldy traveled with his father to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will provide clubfoot treatment on July 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Reldy's clubfoot repair. After treatment, will be better able to stand and play like other children. This will be a big change for him and will make his life much better. Reldy's father told us, "I have hope that he will walk like other children."

Vin is a 16-year-old teenage boy from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and his older sister in Kampong Speu Province. His mother is a housewife and his father is a rice farmer. His 21-year-old sister has a job at a clothes factory in the province. Vin dropped out of school in 7th grade and now helps his father on the rice farm. Vin's favorite meal is fried pork. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer. When Vin was one year old, he suffered a hot water burn on his left hand, which resulted in skin contractures. This occurs when the burn scar matures, thickens, and tightens, preventing movement. After the accident, Vin's mother took him to a nearby health center, but she couldn't afford further treatment due to money issues. Burn scar contractures have developed slowly around his hand, tightening the skin and making it difficult for Vin to use his hand. When Vin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two and a half hours seeking treatment. On May 14th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve the dexterity and use of his left hand. Vin's family has contributed $40 to his healthcare and needs help to raise $455 more to fund this procedure. Vin said, "I hope I can move my fingers again and help my father on our rice farm. I want to support the family so my father does not have to work so hard."