Liza is a happy eight-year-old girl, living in Kandal province, Cambodia. She has two older siblings - an older sister who works in a factory, and an older brother who is in grade seven. Her father recycles cans and plastic bottles, while her mother stays home to care for her. Liza was born with Down syndrome and she does not attend school, but spends her day enjoying cartoons on TV and helping her mother around the house. For the past five years, Liza has been experiencing frequent throat infections, and difficulty swallowing. She has a harder time breathing at night and does not sleep well, so she is often tired during the day. Her mother says she often cries because her throat hurts so much. Liza was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and to intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Liza, which is scheduled to take place on January 23rd at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. During this procedure, surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Liza of her symptoms, and helping her to live a healthier and more comfortable life. Liza's mother shared: "We hope after surgery Liza will stop having sore throats, and it will be easy for her to swallow."

Christopher is a 68-year-old, small-scale farmer from Uganda. He is a father of three, whose children are all in secondary school at different levels. Christopher and his wife grow beans, mainly for home consumption, while living in a mud house for shelter. For two years, Christopher has lived with a left inguinal hernia. He first developed an intermittent, painless inguinal swelling, that has grown over time. The swelling mainly appears whenever he coughs or does heavy work. It’s not painful, but Christopher is very worried about what might happen if his condition remains untreated. He understands that the hernia is at risk of strangulation, which could result in more serious medical issues. Fortunately, on January 19th, Christopher is scheduled to undergo hernia repair surgery at Rushoroza Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $170 to fund Christopher's surgery, which once completed, should allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Christopher says: “I am worried of what may come out of this condition if not treated. I hope to continue with my farming work more easily after my surgery.”

Queen is an adorable 4-month-old baby from Tanzania. Her mother is a sole proprietor who has recently started a new small business, while her father works as a security guard. Queen has an older sibling. While their current income is limited, her mother is confident that her new business provide for their family's basic needs. Queen has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Queen's parents took her to a nearby hospital, but they lacked the needed specialized medical staff. Concerned about waiting a long time for a consultation, Queen's father visited another hospital but experienced the same issue. Queen's father then visited the hospital of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), where the doctors were able to diagnose the condition and recommended surgery. On November 18th, Queen will undergo clubfoot repair surgery that will allow her to learn to stand and walk as she grows. AMH is requesting $935 to fund this procedure. Queen's father shared: "We have been traveling far and wide in pursuit of a cure for our daughter. We're determined to see her feet get back to normal. We appeal for your financial support to help our daughter receive treatment."