Salato is a 5-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is a part of the Maasai tribe and comes from a large Maasai family with seven children. His father is a livestock keeper. Due to their remote location, the family relies on livestock and selling cattle as their main source of income to cover their expenses. Salato was diagnosed with genu valgus. His legs bow inward so that his knees knock. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Salato faces difficulty walking long distances and experiences considerable discomfort due to the abnormal gait he has developed. This condition has also limited his ability to help his father with the livestock and hampers his ability to socialize with others. During an outreach visit from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), Salato and his parents had the opportunity to attend a clinic where he received education about his condition. The church kindly assisted in facilitating his transportation to the hospital. Upon arrival, the team warmly welcomed him and conducted a thorough assessment. As a result, a plan was formulated to correct the abnormality in his right leg surgically. However, Salato and his parents are unable to afford the costs associated with his treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Salato will undergo a corrective procedure on August 2nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Salato's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 to cover the cost of Salato's treatment. Salato’s guardian says, “He often feels left out when he can’t socialize with his peers. We hope the treatment will help him fit in his society.”

Marina, who is four years old, lives in Takeo province with her mother and father. Her mother works in a garment factory, while her father is employed at a nearby construction site. A year ago, Marina tried to climb a two meter high "spirit house" in her front garden. Spirit houses are temple style shrines, which often have fruit and sweets placed on top of them as offerings. Marina fell from the structure, and fractured her left leg. She was taken to a nearby clinic, and treated for the fracture. Since then, her parents have noticed that she can only walk on her tip-toes. They are worried, as Marina is going to start kindergarten in the autumn, and they want her to be able to walk to school and to play with her friends. Marina and her family sought help from our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre. On July 10th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre plan to perform a tendon release procedure on her left ankle. This procedure will increase the flexibility and function of Marina's leg and ankle. Once she has fully recovered, Marina will be able to walk more easily. Now her family needs your help to fund this $572 procedure. Marina's father said: "We hope Marina will have surgery and she won't feel afraid to start school."

Phaneat is a 23-year-old student who lives in Phnom Penh City with her parents. She has 3 siblings - 2 older brothers who are married and a younger sister. Her parents have a small grocery store. In school, Phaneat is studying to be an accountant. When she has free time, she likes to read books and do research. Since Phaneat was 10 years old, she has had frequent sore throats. It is often difficult for her to swallow and breathe. She has tried many medications from their local pharmacy, but her illness always returns. For the past 3 months, Phaneat has had a chronic sore throat, difficulty swallowing and has lost her appetite. She was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Fortunately, our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) is able to help. Phaneat is scheduled for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on September 4th. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Phaneat of her symptoms and helping her live much more comfortably. She is able to contribute $50 towards the cost of surgery and needs help raising $265 to fund the procedure. She said, "I hope my sore throat goes away, it will be easy to breathe and easy to eat."