Samson is an eight-year-old boy from Mpanda, Tanzania. He is the third born in a family of six children. His father diligently tends to a small farm that supplies their food, while the mother undertakes various daily jobs to contribute to the household income and assist with household tasks. Nevertheless, these endeavors present difficulties in fully meeting the family's needs. Samson currently needs medical intervention due to a condition he has been experiencing that limits his mobility. At the age when he began walking, signs of bowed legs started to appear. Unfortunately, as he grew older, the condition worsened, causing concerns for his parents regarding his future. During one of our medical partner's outreach visits to Samson's village, we had the opportunity to inform his parents about a potential surgical treatment for their son's condition. They were overjoyed to learn there may be help for their son. Upon arrival at our medical partner's care center, Samson and his guardian were warmly welcomed by their team. After a brief intake procedure, he was sent for an assessment. Our medical partner's team subsequently diagnosed him with a left genu varus, which will require surgical treatment to correct his left leg and alleviate the discomfort he is currently facing. Samson's condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, often from contaminated drinking water. This condition has also posed difficulties for Samson in terms of starting and attending school, as the school is located approximately four kilometers away from their home. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Samson. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 6th. Treatment will restore Samson's mobility, allow him to participate in school and various activities, and significantly decrease his risk of future complications. Samon's guardian says, "We wish that his condition gets better. We are praying for a better outcome from the treatment."

Francis is a 20-year-old student - a freshman at university and the second born in a family of 3 children. His mother earns money to support the family by cleaning clothes for neighbors. Francis' dad left the family in 2007, leaving his mother to raise the children and make ends meet on her own. Francis loves athletics and serving in the local church. Francis commutes to university daily and often ends up seeking rides from other vehicles, especially lorries carrying sand and stones. On one of these occasions, he ran to board a lorry, and unfortunately, missed the steps and fell on the tarmac where he hit his left elbow. It is difficult for him to use his left arm, and he is in pain. Francis was diagnosed with a fracture to his left elbow. Surgeons at our medical partner African Mission Healthcare (AMH) can help. On August 17th, he will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will relieve him from pain and allow him to regain the use of his left arm. Francis will be able to go back to school and continue with his studies. AMH is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. “I will be very grateful if assisted to have this surgery. I have to be strong, for I would love to complete my education and hopefully change the situation of my family,” said Francis.

Kuon is a 73 year-old loving grandmother who has one son, six daughters, and twelve grandchildren. Sadly, her husband passed away five years ago in a traffic accident, at which time Kuon moved in with her second oldest daughter. Her children work in the rice fields or nearby garment factories and help support Kuon around the house. About two years ago, Kuon developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her photophobia, itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she is not able to go places on her own. When Kuon learned about our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On July 17th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Kuon is able to contribute to the cost of the surgery and is asking for help to fund the remaining $253. She shared, "I hope after surgery I can go to the pagoda by myself. I want to be able to do things on my own and help with my grandchildren more."