Hadassah is a sweet 3-year-old from Central Kenya. She is the youngest in her family of three children and is absolutely adored by her family. Hadassah’s mother runs a business selling curtains and bedding materials at her local shopping center to provide for her family. Hadassah was born with congenital clubfoot, a condition in which both of her feet are turned inwards. This condition can cause difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Hadassah’s mother was first referred to a pediatric orthopedic doctor, who explained that Hadassah could undergo serial casting as a non-surgical way to treat this condition. Hadassah started weekly serial casting; however, the condition did not improve and instead recurred. Then, at a mobile clinic in their local area, Hadassah’s mother met our medical partner’s care team. After review by the doctor, our medical partner was able to schedule clubfoot repair surgery for Hadassah on September 27th. After undergoing surgery, Hadassah will be able to walk easily, play with friends, and enroll in school without any hindrances as she continues to grow. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $1,286 to fund Hadassah’s surgery. Hadassah’s mother said, “I am appealing for help from well-wishers to assist my daughter in undergoing surgery so that she can walk like other children and join school.”

Seng Toek lives in a rural village in Kampong Cham province, with his wife and two daughters, ages seven and one. At home, he likes to grow local vegetables to support their life together. Recently while collecting coconuts for food, a large one fell on his right shoulder. Despite being unable to use his shoulder or arm after the incident, he did not immediately seek healthcare because he could not afford it. Seng Toek is in constant pain and worried that he cannot support his family if he cannot work. A villager told him about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, where disabled Cambodians can receive healthcare. Seng Toek traveled for three hours to receive help for his shoulder and arm where surgeons told him he has a dislocated shoulder - this is an injury in which the upper arm bone pops out of the cup-shaped socket that's part of the shoulder blade. Seng Toek requires surgery to put the ball of his upper arm back into the socket and needs help to pay for the $485. This will cover all tests, surgery, post-operative care, and rehabilitation for his arm. Seng Toek said: "After surgery, I hope that I can work again and won’t have pain."

Pendo, a baby girl, resides in the Ngorongoro region of Tanzania. Her family follows the Maasai tradition and sustains themselves primarily through subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Pendo was born with clubfoot, a congenital condition that causes her foot to be twisted inward and downward, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Unfortunately, due to limited medical facilities and awareness in her village, the condition went unnoticed by doctors at birth. Pendo's mother noticed her bent leg a few days later. Despite the concern of the village grandmothers, her father initially believed it was part of God's plan and resisted any intervention. However, during an outreach program conducted by our medical team in her village, Pendo's mother learned about the treatment options available for her daughter. Realizing the potential for improved quality of life for Pendo, she sought medical assistance and brought her to our partner's center. Fortunately, Pendo is now being seen by our medical partner's care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on June 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, requests $935 to fund Pendo's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she'll be able to walk easily as she grows and live a full life ahead. Pendo's mother says, "Thank you for the chance to receive the treatment for my daughter. I hope her future will be good."