Sok Le is a smiling 3-year-old toddler from Cambodia. He lives in Prey Veng province with his parents, grandmother, and six-year-old brother. Since Sok Le is too young for school, he stays at home, cared for by his grandmother, while his parents cultivate rice. His favorite meal is fish soup, and he delights in spending time outdoors, playing with his collection of toy cars. Sok Le has clubfoot of his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, making it difficult to walk or even wear shoes. Sok Le's family traveled three and a half hours to visit our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), seeking help. Fortunately, the surgeons at CSC can provide the needed treatment. They will perform left tendo-Achilles lengthening surgery to correct the foot equinus (pointing down) position on January 9th. After the surgery, Sok Le's foot will be put in a cast as he recovers. CSC is requesting $444 to fund Sok Le's clubfoot repair. After recovery, his ankle will flex with more range and Sok Le hopefully will be able to walk like other children and wear shoes. Sok Le's mother shared: "We hope after this, Sok Le will walk like other children without pain, and keep up with others when they play."

76-year-old Moyenda hails from a village in Lilongwe District. He has 12 children of whom 3 are in school and the rest are married in their respective homes. Moyenda had to leave primary school when he was young, therefore he could not secure a good job and support his family. He depends on farming where he grows maize for consumption and sweet potatoes for commercial purposes. For one year, Moyenda has been experiencing a painful swelling in a sensitive area. The swelling disappears after a while, and it is accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting. He has been visiting different health centers where he was given drugs to no avail until he was advised to visit Nkhoma Hospital for further assessment. Moyenda was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, and he was scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery. However, he cannot afford the cost although he wishes to undergo surgery. This condition has had a negative impact on Moyenda’s life as he feels abdominal pain when the swelling appears, and he cannot do his farming activities. If the condition is left untreated, it may lead to strangulation which can be life-threatening. Treatment will relieve him of the pain and he will be able to focus on his farm without any hindrances from the condition. Moyenda is scheduled for hernia repair surgery February 13th. Our medical partner African Mission Healthcare is requesting $500 to fund surgery, medications, and medical care. Moyenda says, “I would love to be free of this condition for good.”

Two-month-old Dayana is the first child of her mother, who is a food vendor, and her father, who works in construction. She battles a condition called coarctation of the aorta. One of Dayana's major blood vessels connected to her heart is too narrow, this causes blood to back up into her heart, which can lead to heart failure. Fortunately there is a treatment than can cure her condition. During surgery, doctors will expand the aorta to allow blood to flow normally. She is scheduled for treatment on February 8th and our medical partner International Cardiac Alliance is helping her family to raise $1,500 to support the cost of care. Dayana's mother says, "We have been very afraid for our daughter's life ever since she was born, and so we are so glad to have this opportunity!"