Sam On is a 65-year-old former soldier from Kampong Thom, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, a grocery seller, and their two children. His eldest child helps with household responsibilities, while his youngest child is studying in Grade 7. Since retiring from military service, he has relied on a small government pension to support his family. In his free time, he enjoys watching the news on his phone. In 1997, Sam On stepped on a landmine, resulting in a traumatic injury that required a below-knee amputation of his right leg. Following rehabilitation, he was able to use a prosthetic limb and regain mobility for many years. However, over the past several months, he developed a chronic infected wound at the amputation stump. The wound has produced persistent discharge and caused pain and discomfort, making it difficult for him to wear his prosthetic leg and move around independently. His wife has been caring for the wound at home, but despite her efforts, the infection did not improve. As the condition worsened and began interfering with his daily activities, Sam On sought medical attention and was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, for specialized care. Doctors diagnosed him with an infected right below-knee amputation stump. On June 3rd, Sam On will undergo stump revision surgery, costing $478. The procedure will remove infected tissue, promote healing, relieve pain, and help him use his prosthetic leg comfortably again. Sam On said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to receive treatment. I hope my stump will heal well, the pain and discharge will stop, and I can use my prosthetic leg comfortably again.”

Aminata, who is 10 months old and lives in Mali, is the fourth child born in her family. For the past five months, Aminata has been experiencing a swelling in her umbilical region, and experiencing intermittent pain. Aminata's parents brought her to our medical partner's care center, Centre de Santé de Référence (CSREF) Commune 6. Upon a thorough examination, Aminata was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, which is a tissue bulge in the belly button area, that occurs due to a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Aminata needs to undergo a hernia repair surgery to treat her condition, and prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, Muso, is requesting $377 to fund Aminata's hernia repair surgery, which will take place on August 11th, at Centre de Santé de Référence (CSREF) Commune 6. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow Aminata to live a healthier life. Aminata's mother says: "I look forward to having my daughter recover from her illness, and to regain her health."

Constant is a two-year-old boy from Malawi. He is the last-born child in a family of four children, and his mother manages the home while his father runs a small electronics business to support the family. Constant has an right 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. The condition has brought periods of discomfort and worry to his young life. His mother has watched him grow while also keeping a close eye on the swelling, especially when it becomes more noticeable. At his age, Constant should be free to play, explore and enjoy being a child without his family having to worry about a condition that may require surgery. His parents have sought help because they want to see him treated and able to grow without the discomfort and uncertainty that have accompanied the hernia. After assessment at Nkhoma Hospital, Constant's mother was advised that he would need hernia repair surgery. When the family learnt about the cost of treatment, they were worried as they could not afford the full amount. His mother is hopeful that, with support, her little boy can receive the treatment he needs and be able to grow up healthy, active, and free from the burden of this condition. Fortunately, on August 11th, Constant will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. His family is contributing towards his care, but still needs to raise $421 more for his treatment. Constant’s mother said, “As his mother, all I want is to see Constant grow up healthy and free from this problem. He is still so young, and I want him to be able to play, run and enjoy his childhood without us worrying about the swelling. I am hopeful that with the help of the donor program, he will receive the surgery he needs and have a better future.”