Mabasa is a four-year-old child from Tanzania. Like any other child, he is filled with dreams, curiosity, and a boundless spirit. He comes from a mid-sized family with five siblings. However, his journey has taken an unexpected turn that threatens to overshadow his bright future. Born to hardworking farming parents, Mabasa was a healthy and joyful baby. Yet, at age two, he began to experience a troubling transformation that has left his family deeply concerned. Mabasa’s parents, dedicated farmers who work relentlessly to provide for their family, noticed something amiss when their son’s legs started to bend as he took his first steps. This struck them with concern and fear. The condition worsened as months passed, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their child’s future. Mabasa was diagnosed with left genu valgus. Colloquially known as "knock-knee," genu valgum is a condition in which the knees bend inward, and can cause pain, difficulty walking, and arthritis. Mabasa's left leg has curved inward, affecting his mobility. To their dismay, the doctors could find no apparent cause for Mabasa’s condition and suggested a healthy nutrition regimen and medications to improve his overall health. Mabasa’s parents followed these recommendations, but despite their unwavering efforts, there was no sign of improvement. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Mabasa. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 14th. Treatment will hopefully restore Mabasa's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Mabasa’s father says, “I wish for my son to have a bright future and that this condition won’t be a problem in the future.”

Broeng is a 65-year-old grandmother in Kandal province. She is married and together they have five sons, two daughters, and 12 grandchildren. Currently, she and her husband live with their youngest son, who works in construction, and a daughter, who works in a garment factory. Her husband stays home, and she worked the family rice fields until she could no longer see well outside. Five years ago, Broeng developed a cataract in her right eye. She shared that it feels like she has a milky film in her eye all the time and she can no longer recognize the faces of her relatives. When Broeng learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 16th, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Broeng shared: "I want to improve my eyesight, and I hope after surgery my eyes can see better and I can see the faces of my family."

Dina is an 11 year-old fifth grader, living in a coastal province of Cambodia with his parents and two siblings. His father works as a rice farmer, and his mother recently got a job in a clothing factory. When he was a year old, Dina accidentally put his right hand into a pot of boiling rice. Since then, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin on his hand and fingers. As a result, it is difficult for him to perform daily activities, such as writing, and playing games with his friends. Dina and his family traveled for six hours to seek treatment. On September 6th, surgeons from our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, will perform burn contracture release surgery at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, which will improve the function of Dina's hand. Now he needs your help to fund this $495 procedure. Dina said he hopes that his fingers can bend more easily, and that he will be able to do better in school.