Somavortey is a four-year-old girl who lives with her parents in Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. Her mother works in a cloth factory, while her father is a rice farmer. Somavortey is currently in kindergarten, and dreams of becoming a nurse when she grows up. Since she was six months old, Somavortey's mother has noticed something different in the position of her daughter's neck. Somavortey has been diagnosed with left torticollis, a condition where the muscles on the left side of her neck are tight, causing her head to tilt to the left, and making it difficult for her to rotate her neck. This condition also causes recurrent neck pain and makes it difficult for Somavortey to sleep. Somavortey and her parents were referred to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for evaluation and treatment. On May 8th, surgeons at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform a nerve and tendon procedure to improve the function of her neck, helping Somavortey to attain normal movement of her head, once she has recovered and completed physiotherapy. Somavortey and her family are able to contribute $100 but needs to raise $472 more to fund the procedure and post-operative care. Somavortey's mother shared, "I hope she can move her neck easily and feel more comfortable."

Arkam is seven-year-old primary school student from Tanzania. He lives with his grandparents while his parents work in another region of the country. Both his grandparents along with his parents, work together to provide for his needs. However, the grandparents also care for three more grandchildren. Arkam was born with a congenital condition that limits the full use of his fingers on both hands. Despite making efforts to seek treatment, the family encountered difficulties due to the high cost of medical expenses. In 2023, they reached out to our medical partner's care center Kafika House and were invited for a review. Earlier this month, Arkam was brought to Kafika House by his grandfather for consultation. Specialist surgeons at the center have proposed a contracture release and skin graft to help him gain use of his fingers. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Arkam receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 6th, surgeons will perform a contracture release surgery to enhance the functionality of his hand. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Arkam’s grandfather says: “I hope my grandson will be able to use his hand because it will make it easier for him while in school.”

Donnalyn is a hardworking woman from the Philippines. She works as a factory worker and currently resides with her partner. Even though her partner is also working, their combined income is only enough for their household expenses. One year ago, Donnalyn began to experience troubling symptoms, including excruciating stomach pain and frequent acid reflux. She was diagnosed with gallstones and kidney stones. She could not afford the surgery and treatment at the local hospital. Donnalyn has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put him at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Donnalyn is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on March 9th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Donnalyn's surgery and care. Donalynn shared: "I have not availed of the free surgery yet but I am already very grateful to everyone who will help me. I will never be able to avail the needed surgery even if I borrow money from everyone I know, so I am truly grateful."