Lemurwa is a 15 year old student living in Kiserian, Arusha in Tanzania, with his parents and three siblings. His father works as a farmer and cattle breeder, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker, responsible for caring for the children and assisting with the milking of the cows. Lemurwa was diagnosed with acquired right genu valgus, a condition caused by the accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, which results from drinking contaminated water. His right leg exhibits a more severe deformity compared to his left leg, leading to persistent swelling whenever he walks. Lemurwa has been suffering from this progressive knee deformity since the age of three, and things have only worsened over time. His condition limits his mobility and causes significant pain, making it challenging for him to walk long distances and to perform essential tasks, such as helping his family in herding cattle. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Lemurwa. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 26th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. Treatment should restore Lemurwa's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decreasing his risk of future complications. Lemurwa says: "I hope that after this treatment I will be able to help out at home and that my leg will not be a barrier to my day-to-day life."

Muk is a 46-year-old woman from Cambodia. She is married and has four sons and seven grandchildren. She lives in the capital city of Phnom Penh with her husband and youngest son, who is a high school student. Muk sells pork for a living and, in her free time, likes to watch the news and check her social media. About two years ago, Muk developed a pterygium in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going outside. When Muk learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for an hour seeking treatment. Muk needs to undergo a surgical procedure to remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. This surgery costs $225, which covers all medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Muk will undergo surgery on August 7th. She contributed $50 to her care. Muk shared, "I hope I can have surgery and go back to my life without worrying and be able to do my job better."

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."