Maurine is a 36-year-old widowed mother of two children. In 2022, she experienced a sudden and unexpected change that would alter her life. Without warning, she lost the ability to hear. At first, Maurine struggled to understand what was happening. Simple conversations became difficult, and communicating with her children was no longer easy. She could not hear when they spoke to her, and responding to their needs became increasingly challenging. In December 2022, she went to AIC Kijabe Hospital for a medical review. After assessment, the doctors recommended hearing aids to help her regain the ability to hear and communicate. A well-wisher paid for one hearing aid, which made communication easier, including with her children. Sadly, in 2025, the hearing aid stopped working. Gradually, Maurine began withdrawing from those close to her. She works as a house help, but her hearing loss also began to affect her ability to earn a living. In January this year, she returned to the hospital, where she was advised to obtain new hearing aids, but the cost was far beyond what she could afford. Still hoping for a solution, she returned to hospital in August, hoping she would find help. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping her find treatment. On Sept 9th, Maurine will be fitted with hearing aids. For Maurine, this would mean much more than the ability to hear sounds again. It would mean being able to communicate with her children. It would mean understanding her employer, and it would mean reconnecting with family and friends, regaining her confidence, and no longer living in isolation. Now, Maurine needs help to fund this $1,171 procedure. She says: “I wish to hear again, so I can communicate more confidently with my family and friends."

Bora is a 20-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Cham Province with his wife, who works as an online seller, and their three-month-old son. His father is a furniture seller, and his mother stays at home to manage household tasks. In his free time, he enjoys playing badminton. On the 11th of December 2025, Bora was involved in a road traffic accident after crashing his car, which caused a closed fracture of his upper arm bone, near the elbow. After the accident, he was treated at a provincial hospital, where doctors performed an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery and implanted a metal plate and screws in his right distal humerus to stabilize the fracture and support bone healing. Although his fracture healed after surgery, he later developed an infection around the implanted hardware. He now has a persistent draining wound (sinus) near the surgical site with discharge, as well as stiffness and limited movement of his right elbow. This affects his ability to use his arm comfortably for daily activities and work. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On August 5th, Bora will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will involve removing the metal implants, washing out the infected area, and performing a culture to help control the infection, promote wound healing, and improve the function and movement of his right arm. He can contribute $37.50, but needs help raising $341 more to fund his procedure and care. Bora said, “I hope this surgery will remove the infection, allow my arm to heal properly, and help me regain better movement so I can return to my normal activities.”

Chantha is a 37-year-old factory worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with his wife, who works in a garment factory. Together, they are raising two children; their eldest is in Grade 6, and their youngest is 4 years old. In his free time, Chantha enjoys drinking coffee and chatting with his friends in the village. About three years ago, Chantha developed tuberculosis of his right ankle, which caused swelling, redness, and severe pain. Although he completed a full course of tuberculosis treatment and the infection was cured, it left his right ankle joint permanently damaged. Since then, he has continued to suffer from pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. He now relies on crutches to get around, making it difficult to work, care for his family, and carry out everyday activities. When Chantha learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 14th, surgeons at CSC will perform a joint arthrodesis procedure to fuse his right ankle joint and to relieve his pain, improve the stability of his ankle, and help him stand and walk more comfortably so he can return to his daily life with greater independence. Chantha can contribute $50, but needs help raising $561 more to fund his procedure and care. Chantha said, “My greatest wish is to wake up one day without this ankle pain. I hope this surgery will help me move freely again and return to the activities I have missed.”