Ronaldo is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of seven children. Ronaldo is a cheerful and energetic kid who loves playing and having fun with those around him. His father works as a casual laborer to support the family. Ronaldo was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgum, a condition that causes his legs to angle inward at the knees. Several factors can cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. As Ronaldo has grown, his parents have become increasingly concerned about how the condition may affect his ability to walk comfortably and participate fully in daily activities. They also worry about the challenges he may face when he starts school in the future. Ronaldo's family is seeking care in the hopes that undergoing treatment will give Ronaldo the best possible start in life and allow him to grow, play, and attend school without difficulty. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Ronaldo undergo treatment on June 2nd. This treatment will restore Ronaldo's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $777 to fund his surgery. Ronaldo's mother said, "We want Ronaldo to grow up strong, walk comfortably, and one day go to school like his brothers and sisters."

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."

Sophea is 18 years old and a young factory worker from Cambodia. She lives in a small village in Battambang province with her parents, who are cassava farmers. She is the middle child of three siblings. Her older brother works as a construction worker to help support the family, and her younger sister is studying in Grade 5. Due to financial difficulties, she stopped studying in Grade 10. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and listening to music. Four months ago, Sophea was involved in a traffic accident when another motorcycle suddenly collided with her, causing paralysis to her left hand. She has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on her left side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. She is unable to lift or properly use her left hand and experiences pain and stiffness in her fingers. This makes it difficult for her to perform daily activities such as dressing, cooking, and holding objects. The weakness and discomfort forced her to stop working, adding financial stress to her family. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is helping Sophea receive treatment. She traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On February 26th, she will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, The treatment will help improve movement and strength in her left hand, reduce pain and stiffness, and gradually restore hand function. Sophea's family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $637 more to fund her surgery and care. Sophea said, “Since the accident, I have not been able to use my left hand like before. I hope this treatment will help me regain strength so I can return to my normal life and support my family again.”