Kidus is a seven-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is in the first grade, and lives with his parents and sister. His father works as a taxi driver, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker who prioritizes her children's care above all else. Two years ago, Kidus started to experience throat pain, appetite loss and disrupted sleep. He was diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis, which has led to frequent medical appointments, impacting his school attendance. Due to this Kidus is finding it difficult to keep up with his studies. If not treated, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kidus, which is scheduled to take place on June 6th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kidus of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Hopeful for Kidus's improved sleep, and a better focus on his education after treatment, his parents say: "Beyond the financial burden, his illness has deeply affected our family's well-being. We are incredibly hopeful for this next chapter, as the upcoming surgery promises a fresh start for our son and our family."

Chantha is a 43-year-old former construction worker from Cambodia. He is married and lives in Kampong Chhnang Province with his wife, who works in a garment factory. They have three children: the eldest works as a car repairer, the second is a construction worker, and the youngest is in Grade 6. He is currently unemployed and spends his time raising chickens and growing vegetables at home. In May 2022, Chantha sustained a fracture on his right thighbone when he was trapped under a collapsed house. He initially underwent fracture repair surgery with plate and screws, followed by antegrade intramedullary nailing due to persistent symptoms. Presently, he experiences ongoing discomfort related to the surgical hardware. The condition causes persistent pain and discomfort, especially when walking or standing. He currently uses crutches for mobility, and has difficulty performing normal daily activities. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On May 19th, Chantha will undergo a fracture repair procedure (hardware removal with K-nail and bone grafting) which is expected to reduce his pain, improve mobility, and help him walk more comfortably without metal-related discomfort. Chantha is able to contribute towards the cost of his treatment, but needs help raising $550 more to fund the procedure. He says, “I hope this surgery will relieve my pain, allow me to walk normally again, and help me live without discomfort from the metal in my leg.”

Yousos is a 58-year-old laborer at a cashew farm from Cambodia. He lives in an isolated village in Stueng Treng, Cambodia, with his wife and their two children. His wife also works at the cashew farm, and both of his children help with cashew farming to support the family. The household depends entirely on its small daily labor income for daily expenses and basic needs. In his free time, he helps with farm work and household chores. In 1988, while serving as a soldier at the border, Yousos sustained a gunshot wound to his right femur, resulting in a fracture. An external fixation was applied to facilitate healing; however, the fixation later became loose and was removed. He then sought treatment through Khmer traditional medicine. While his condition appeared to improve as he was able to walk and return to work normally, he continued to have discharge from the wound. Ten days ago, while working on his farm, he twisted the same leg and fractured the same area again. He now experiences pain, discharge, and difficulty walking. The non-union fracture and infected wound make it very challenging for him to perform daily activities and continue his farm work. When Yousos learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for nine and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove damaged and infected tissue from the wound and allow the wound to heal. Yousos can contribute $50, but needs help raising the remaining $367 to fund his procedure and care. Yousos said, “I have lived with this injury for many years, but now the pain and infection make it very difficult to walk. I hope this treatment will finally heal my leg so I can return to my farm and live without suffering.”