Biruk is an adorable toddler from Ethiopia who loves to play and walk. He has recently started walking, and it seems like he only wants to explore the world on his feet. He also enjoys playing with other children, always eager to share their toys or try to claim some for himself. Being the only child in the family, he receives a lot of love and attention from his parents. Biruk's dad holds a university degree in agriculture, and his mom graduated from college with a diploma in ICT. Despite her educational background, she couldn't find a job in that field and now assists her husband with their farming endeavors. They were fortunate to receive a small farming land from their parents, and they work diligently to make a living from it. In addition to farming for their needs, they also purchase crops to sell, aiming to generate additional income and improve their economic situation. Although their income is modest, they work hard to support their family's daily necessities and strive to save up to purchase more land. Biruk was born with Hypospadias, a congenital abnormality which affects the male urinary opening. When he was just five months old, his parents took Biruk to a hospital for medical attention. The doctor mentioned that they would need a referral when the child reaches six months of age. Unfortunately, when they returned to the hospital later, they were informed that the doctor was unavailable, leaving them uncertain and frustrated. Without treatment, Biruk will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Biruk is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery at AMH's care center on August 8th. AMH is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Biruk's mum said, “I will work hard to bring my child to a successful future once he receives the treatment and is healed. I hope he will be successful and lead a good life in the future.”

Troeng is a 64-year-old corn farmer from Cambodia. He lives in Kandal province with his wife, who is also a corn farmer. Together, they have six children and ten grandchildren. One of their daughters still lives at home and helps support the family by selling groceries at a market stall. In his free time, Troeng likes to spend time with his grandchildren and watch the news. Ten years ago, Troeng developed a pterygium in his left eye, causing him to experience 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, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result of this condition, Troeng has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Troeng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for an hour seeking treatment. On May 29th, Troeng will undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent a recurrence. The total cost of this procedure is $225, which covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Troeng contributed $100 to his care. Troeng shared, "After surgery, I hope my eye will be better so I won't worry about it anymore. I can go to work and see more clearly."

Py is a 22-year-old car washer from Cambodia. In order to have better financial opportunities to earn money for his family, Py recently left his home in the village and moved closer to town with a few of his friends. He works at a car wash, but since his accident, he has had difficulty working full hours. In his free time, Py likes listening to music on his phone. In September 2022, Py was riding his motorbike when a tuk-tuk crashed into him. He sustained multiple injuries, including paralysis of his left arm due to nerve damage. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right 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. Py cannot move his right arm and has weakness in his hand, which impacts his ability to work. Fortunately, Py was able to travel to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the country where this treatment is available. On August 15th, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, Py will be able to use his arm again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), is requesting $709 to fund this procedure. Py contributed $100 to his care. Py shared that, after surgery, he hopes he can work to help support his family!