Gutema is a 23-year-old man from Ethiopia, married with one daughter. He works as a day laborer, a physically demanding job that requires him to use his full strength and mobility every day, typically at construction sites. Recently, Gutema was diagnosed with a severe infection in his thighbone that causes painful swelling. This condition has left him unable to perform the physical tasks his work demands. Because his income depends entirely on his ability to work each day, his family is now in a challenging situation. Without his mobility, his livelihood and his family’s stability is now at serious risk. The bone infection also causes him intense pain. Following Gutema's review at our medical partner's care center Saglan Wajee General Hospital, doctors have recommended that he undergoes a sequestrectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of fragments of infected dead bone or tissue. If not treated, it can lead to recurrent infections that may result in life-threatening complications. Fortunately, on June 4th, Gutema will undergo repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $900 to fund Gutema's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will alleviate his symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. "My family cannot afford to lose my ability to work, as I am responsible for everything in our home. The pain and the stress of not being able to provide for them is overwhelming. This surgery is the key to saving my livelihood," said Gutema.

Sabita is 12 years old and a 5th-grade student from India. She is the youngest among six siblings, having four brothers and two sisters. Sabita is cheerful, cooperative, and emotionally resilient. She enjoys drawing and dancing, which reflect her creative and lively personality. She comes across as a determined child with a positive attitude towards treatment and recovery, supported closely by her family. Her family engages in farming and daily wage labor. About 10 years ago, Sabita sustained a severe burn injury after accidentally falling into boiling curry. The injury resulted in post-burn scars and contractures involving her right hand, elbow, and forearm, leading to difficulty in movement and function. Sabita has been receiving care with our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, and has been under follow-up for the management of post-burn treatment. The burn injury and resulting post-burn contractures have significantly affected Sabita's mobility, function, and daily activities. Her scars and limited movement also affect her self-confidence and social interactions with peers. These limitations may interfere with academic performance, play, and participation in extracurricular activities such as dancing, which she enjoys. When Sabita's family learned about G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, they traveled for 2.5 hours seeking treatment. On May 27th, specialty surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery, which will improve her mobility and prevent further worsening of the post-burn contractures. Now, she needs help to fund this $1,442 procedure. Sabita's father shared, "Our only wish is that our daughter can use her hand properly and live like other children. She has suffered a lot since childhood, yet she always stays cheerful and brave."

Faidhan is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with both his parents, and is the second child in the family. He is an energetic and cheerful child who enjoys talking and interacting with those around him. Faidhan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus (bow legs), a condition where the knees curve outward while the feet and ankles touch. His parents first noticed the condition when both of his legs began bending outward as he learned to walk. Several factors could 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. Despite the family's attempted efforts, his walking remains difficult and the condition limits his stability. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Faidhan. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Faidhan's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Faidhan's father says, “He wants to run and follow other children, but his legs cannot support him well most of the time. We hope this treatment will change his future.”