Eight-year-old Balika is from Nepal, is in 2nd class, and loves skipping. She lives with her extended family, a total of 11 members. Balika’s father and uncle work in India most of the year to support the family. During the four-month monsoon season they come home to plant rice on their land.
15 days ago, Balika pricked her finger while collecting fodder in the forest. The following day her cut became red and tender. Her mother applied local herbs to speed up the healing process but the infection continued and spread up her hand. “Without treatment, this infection can lead to necrosis or gangrene, which can cause scarring, deformity, or at worst amputation,” our medical partner writes.
It will cost $215 to drain the abscess on Balika’s left middle finger and care for the wound with antibiotics. Your donation will give Balika appropriate care to ensure that her finger is okay so she continue to go to school and play without further worry.

