Eman is a five-year-old boy living in Kenya with his parents and younger brother. The family is originally from Ethiopia, where his father served as a missionary, but have relocated while his father is attending missionary college. As a student, Eman’s father does not have a work permit, and the family relies on a small income from the church. They have also been unable to obtain health insurance. Eman was originally referred to our medical partner for chronic tonsillitis, but during his evaluation, doctors identified a reducible left inguinal hernia. This type of hernia is present at birth, but symptoms can take some time to appear. Doctors advised that the hernia repair be postponed until after a tonsillectomy, as the tonsillitis was causing repeated hospital admissions, frequent infections, and continuous use of antibiotics. Eman’s tonsillitis surgery was successful, and his recovery has been remarkable. His father expresses immense joy and gratitude because Eman is sleeping better, is more active, and is able to enjoy his childhood without constant illness. With his recovery complete, Eman is now scheduled for hernia repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $864 to fund Eman’s surgery, which will take place on May 15th. This surgery will give him the chance to grow up healthy, attend school without discomfort, and avoid future complications. Eman's father says, "This hospital has been a blessing and a healing to our family. My son has since improved after the first surgery, and we thank God for everything. Please help us so that my son can grow like other children, healthy, go to school, and we will testify to what the Lord does.”

Rathanak is a two-year-old toddler who lives in Cambodia with his parents and twin brother. His mother works long hours at a garment factory, and his father is a hairdresser who earns a small daily income. When his parents are at work, he and his twin are looked after by their grandmother. Rathanak enjoys eating fried egg and caramelized pork, and he loves playing with toys alongside his brother. Rathanak was born with polydactyly of his right hand, meaning that he has an extra thumb. This makes it difficult for him to grasp objects and interferes with his play. As he grows older, he has also started to feel shy and self-conscious because his hand looks different from those of other children. Fortunately, on February 25th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digit. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $379 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Rathanak is expected to have improved hand function and better coordination. The procedure will help him use his right hand more comfortably and confidently, allowing him to play, learn, and perform daily activities more easily. Rathanak's mother shares, “I hope that after the surgery my son can use his hand normally, and feel confident like other children. I don’t want him to feel shy or different anymore. I just want him to grow up happy and proud of himself.”

Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."