John is a 2-month-old baby from Tanzania. He resides in a modest home with his parents and two siblings. His mother is a devoted stay-at-home mother, while his father works as a carpenter. His father’s income is enough to cover the family’s basic needs. After John's birth, the doctors realized he was born with a congenital condition and advised his mother to seek specialized care. His right foot was twisted inward and downward. They started him on casting at the hospital for three weeks, hoping it might help him heal. However, it became apparent that his condition was more complex and would require surgical intervention as the only viable option to give John a chance at a more mobile and fulfilling life. However, the financial burden proved to be overwhelming for John’s family. Living on a modest income, they could not afford the surgical treatment cost. They had to make a hard decision to stop their son’s treatment. Sometime after discontinuing their son’s treatment, John’s mother learned about our medical partner the Plaster House and the services it provides. Fueled by love and hope for her son, she sought assistance from the center. John underwent a comprehensive wellness assessment; however, the family cannot raise money for his treatment and is appealing for financial assistance. John has clubfoot on his right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. The Plaster House team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 19. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund John's clubfoot repair. After treatment and as he grows he will be able to walk comfortably, wear shoes, enjoy playtime with his peers, and reassure his parents that their son is free from disability. John’s mother says: “I hope my son’s treatment will be smooth and he will turn out okay after his treatment.”

Sabin is a 63-year-old retired rice farmer. She is married and lives in Kampong Cham province with her elderly husband. They have one adopted daughter - a clothing garment worker - and three grandchildren. They all live together in a small house. At home, she listens to monks pray on the radio, looks after the house and children while her daughter is at work, and visits her local pagoda in her spare time. Three years ago, Sabin developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her light sensitivity, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own any more. When Sabin learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On July 18th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Sabin said: "I hope after surgery I can see better, do more outside and help to take care of my grandchildren."

Somnang is a 30-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He lives with his parents, who work as rice farmers, and his three younger brothers, two of whom also work in construction. His youngest brother is still in school. In his free time, Somnang likes to listen to music on the phone with his family and friends. About one month ago, Somnang developed a chalazion in his left eye, causing him itchiness, irritation, and eye redness. A chalazion is a small lump in the oil gland of the eyelid. Somnang traveled for one hour to seek treatment from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). On July 4th, surgeons at CSC's care center will remove the cyst through a chalazion excision procedure. After recovery, Somnang's symptoms should improve. He needs help raising $210 to fund this procedure. He shared, "After surgery, I hope my eyelid stops swelling, there is no bump and I don't have to worry about my eye when I am outside working"