Nich is a 50-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and lives in Battambang Province with her husband, who serves in the army at the border. They have three children; the eldest sells pork at a local market, the second child works as a coffee seller, and the youngest is a university student. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and helping with household tasks. In September 2024, Nich suffered severe burns in a gas explosion while cooking. Although her burn wounds healed after treatment at a local clinic, she developed significant scar contractures affecting her neck and both armpits, with the neck being the most severely affected area. She later underwent burn contracture release surgery with the help of our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. Following that procedure, her condition improved, and she experienced better movement and comfort. However, over time, the scar contracture gradually recurred, causing increasing tightness around her neck. The tight scars make it difficult for Nich to turn or extend her head normally, and she sometimes struggles to eat because of the restricted movement. On June 18th, surgeons at CSC will perform a free flap procedure to release the severe neck contracture and reconstruct the affected area with healthy tissue. This surgery is expected to improve neck movement, reduce tightness and discomfort, enhance function, and lower the risk of future recurrence. The procedure will also help her eat more comfortably and carry out daily activities with greater ease and independence. Nich said, “I am very grateful for the treatment and support I received before. It helped me feel much better for a long time. I hope this surgery will further improve my condition, allow me to move my neck more freely, and help me enjoy daily life with my family without discomfort.”

Adson is 74 years old and lives in a village in rural Lilongwe, Malawi. He is married, and all seven of his children are grown and living with their own families. At home, he lives with his wife and two grandchildren, relying on small-scale farming to feed them. Three months ago, Adson was involved in an accident at home. While moving around his yard, he stepped onto a sharp stick used to tie a goat, and it pierced through the flesh of his right foot. As he tried to free himself, fragments of the stick remained in the wound, leaving him in severe pain. He sought care and underwent a debridement procedure to remove damaged tissue, but the injury has taken time to heal. He has been attending follow-up clinics, and recently, doctors advised that he needs skin graft surgery to properly close the wound and restore function to his foot. Without this procedure, healing may remain slow and incomplete, making it difficult for him to walk and continue his daily activities. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Adson receive treatment. On May 6th, he will undergo a skin graft procedure to aid in the healing of his foot, so he can walk again. Adson is contributing to his treatment but needs to raise an additional $295 to fund the procedure. He says: "My wish is for my foot to heal, so I can walk again and continue looking after my home. I have tried what I can, but I do not have enough. I am asking for help so that I can get this treatment and be well again.”

Noosokon is a 34-year-old mother of four from Kenya. She and her husband own two cows, relying on livestock farming for their family's livelihood. A few days ago, Noosokon was milking one of the cows, as was her daily routine, when the cow suddenly struck her on the right side of her jaw, pushing her against a sharp object that severely injured her face. She began bleeding and was in severe pain. She was rushed to a nearby health center before being referred to a hospital for further management. At the hospital, she received first aid treatment, including stitches to the open wound, and was given pain medication before being referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Scans at the hospital revealed that her jaw had been fractured during the incident. Unfortunately, she has not been able to undergo treatment because her family is not able to raise the amount required for surgery. Her jaw remains swollen, and she has been unable to eat due to the pain and swelling; she can only take milk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 3rd, Noosokon will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help relieve her pain, help her heal and go back to her daily life. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Noosokon says, “I am in pain. I am unable to sleep due to the swelling.”