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.

Sim is a 24-year-old vegetable seller from Kandal Province, Cambodia. He is single and the third of five siblings, with two sisters and two brothers. He lives with his parents, who are also vegetable sellers. In his free time, he enjoys playing football. About two months ago, Sim developed a chalazion in his right eye — a small inflamed cyst in the eyelid — causing itchiness, irritation, and swelling that has made it difficult for him to see clearly and work. Sim traveled three hours to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. On April 20th, surgeons will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Sim's symptoms should improve. Sim can contribute $25, but needs help raising $238 more to fund his procedure and care. Sim said, "I hope after surgery my eye lid stop swelling and I don’t worry about it anymore. I feel happy and would like to go back to selling vegetables well."

Vitou is a five-month-old baby boy from Cambodia. He is the only child in the family and lives in Svay Rieng Province with his parents. His father works as a factory worker, and his mother sells coffee. He enjoys playing with toy cars and dolls and likes drinking milk. Vitou was born with syndactyly of the right foot. This means that his toes are fused. It is difficult for him to wear shoes properly, which affects the movement of his big toe. As he grows, the condition may affect his ability to stand, walk, and use his foot normally. Fortunately, on July 20th, surgeons will perform a syndactyly repair procedure to separate and release the fused toes. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $462 to fund this procedure. After surgery, he will feel more comfortable and will be able to use his right foot more normally. The surgery will improve the shape and function of his foot, helping him wear shoes, stand, and walk more easily as he grows. Vitou's mother said, “We hope this surgery will help our son have a normal-looking foot so he can walk, play, and grow up confidently without feeling different from other children.”