Three year old Tilian is the youngest of the 12 children in his family. They all live in a remote village in the Kiteto Manyara region of Tanzania. The family resides in a communal boma, consisting of small mud houses, which are just enough to accommodate them all. Tilian's parents are small farmers who depend on agriculture and livestock for sustenance and income. However, their region has been plagued by prolonged dry seasons, leading to the death of cattle and reduced harvests. As the sole provider for the family, the father has been compelled to seek day jobs to support them. Unfortunately, his income falls short of meeting the most basic necessities for their family. In September 2022, while Tilian was playing with his friends, he inadvertently came into contact with a stove, and accidentally knocked over a container of hot water. This resulted in Tilian sustaining severe burns to his arms and chest. His injuries were extensive, and Tilian was brought to the nearest dispensary for immediate first aid and wound care. After the initial treatment, Tilian was discharged and sent home with instructions for caring for the wounds, because the dispensary lacked the resources to continue caring for him. The burns on Tilian's hands took more than two months to heal, while the one on his chest required even more time for proper recovery. In March 2023, Tilian was brought to our medical partner's center. The medical team thoroughly assessed his condition, and told his parents about the availability of visiting doctors who specialize in treating similar cases. Initiating a daily wound care regimen, the medical team began to attend to Tilian’s needs. However, Tilian's father struggled to afford the transportation for multiple trips to the center. As a result, the family had to make the difficult decision to leave Tilian at the facility as a resident, while he underwent his wound care, and awaited treatment at the plastic surgery clinic. During a plastic surgery clinic this month, Tilian was evaluated by visiting surgeons. The proposed course of action is surgery to facilitate the healing of the wound on his chest. Additionally, the doctors will need to address the burn scar contractures that have developed, tightening the skin around his arm. His parents are appealing for help to ensure their son receives the proper and necessary treatment for his wounds. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Tilian receive treatment. On August 15th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to enable him to use his hand with ease. With continued care, the wound on his chest will heal completely, preventing any further risk of infection, and allowing Tilian to lead a normal life as he grows. Now, his family needs your help to fund this $874 procedure. Tilian’s father says: “We hope for his improvement, which would reduce the concerns about the risk of infection in his wound and allow him to play freely with his friends.”

Meet six-year-old Kim Leang! She lives in Kandal province with her parents and younger sister. Her father is a local soccer coach, while her mother stays home to care for the children. Kim Leang loves painting, playing with dolls, and playing soccer with her dad. Two years ago, Kim Leang began to experience sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and obstructed breathing. Frequent illness has caused her to miss school, and to lose sleep. She was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if left untreated, will cause her symptoms to persist, and possibly to intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Kim Leang, which is scheduled to take place on May 18th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Surgeons will remove her tonsils and adenoids, hopefully relieving Kim Leang of her symptoms, and helping her to live much more comfortably. Kim Leang's mother shared: "I hope my daughter can have surgery and be healthy again, so she can go to school every day."

Ruth is a 15 year old student, living with her family in Uganda. Her father, who is in the motorcycle business, would like to see Ruth become a doctor, although he is uncertain that he will be able to offer the financial support necessary for this goal. Six years ago, Ruth developed a swelling on her left forearm, that has continued to increase in size. The swelling causes paralysis around the site when she writes, causing her difficulties in school. She also experiences a lot of discomfort with activities that entail heavy lifting. After seeing the doctor, Ruth was diagnosed as having a lipoma, and surgery was recommended. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Ruth to access the treatment that she needs. On September 5th, surgeons at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale will remove the mass. Now Ruth and her family need your help to raise $137 to fund this procedure. Ruth's father said: “I hope surgery will improve her wellbeing, because this condition has given her too much pain."