Sayuni, who is 4 years old, lives with her mother and two siblings in Tanzania. Sayuni's mother sells local bites like buns and Vitumbua- coconut rice pancakes- by the roadside to try and make ends meet. Sayuni was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, which causes her legs to bow outward at the knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, stemming from the consumption of contaminated drinking water. As a result of her condition, Sayuni has a difficult time walking and playing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Sayuni. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Sayuni's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Sayuni’s mother says: “I have hope that my daughter will be able to walk better after the treatment.”

Elibaraka is a 12-year-old student from Tanzania. He is the third child in his family of four kids. He attends a boarding school for most of the year, and when is home with his family, he helps care for his mother. Elibaraka experienced a serious fire accident in 2015 that caused him to receive burns across his body. He received treatment at that time to care for his wounds, but he is now experiencing burn scars that are making it challenging for him to use his hand. He visited our medical partner’s care center for treatment. On February 27th, Elibaraka will undergo burn contracture release surgery that will allow him to be able to use his hand pain-free. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $639 to fund Elibaraka’s procedure. Elibaraka shared: “I know it will be hard for my mother to afford the treatment, but I hope it will be possible for me to get treatment.”

Rithy Skay is a happy first-grader from Cambodia. He lives in Phnom Penh with his parents and 3-year-old sister. His father is in the army, and his mom stays at home to look after Rithy Skay and his sister, as well as her aging parents. At school, Rithy Skay likes music class and learning to write the Khmer alphabet. He would like to be in the military when he grows up, like his dad. For the last two years, Rithy Skay has been experiencing a sore throat, snoring, and difficulty swallowing. Being frequently ill causes him to miss school, and he has lost weight in the last six months due to skipping meals because of the pain he experiences swallowing. Rithy Skay was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, on May 8th, Rithy Skay will undergo a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, in which surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids. The surgery will relieve Rithy Skay's symptoms and help him live much more comfortably. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), requests $265 to fund this procedure. When asked about their hopes for his future, Rithy Skay's parents shared their hopes that he can be healthy and no longer have to miss school.