Simwenda is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He resides in a village in the Mpanda district. His parents, hardworking farmers, work daily to provide for their family’s subsistence needs. Simwenda was born with a clubfoot - a birth abnormality in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position. The tissues connecting the muscles to the bone (tendons) are shorter than usual, causing the foot to twist and making walking and wearing shoes difficult. Simwenda’s parents, with limited resources and no access to medical insurance, could only watch their son’s condition worsen for three years. It broke their hearts to see him suffer. The nearest hospital could not provide the treatment he needed. Simwenda’s parents shared their son’s story with their community, hoping for help and learned that services would be available at the Plaster House, a care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). However, Simwenda's parents encountered a significant obstacle in obtaining care: transportation costs. Their village is hundreds of miles from Arusha, where the medical care center is located. Simwenda’s family organized a fundraising event to raise money for the transportation and additional expenses of the journey. Upon Simwenda’s arrival at the center, he received a warm welcome. The medical team will begin clubfoot treatment on September 15. AMH is requesting $935 to fund Simwenda's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk with less struggle. Simwende’s mother says: “Despite our financial situations, we have tried so hard to get him treatment. I hope this time around our son has a chance to get treatment.”

Aye is a 48-year-old woman from Thailand. She lives with her family, and recently stepped away from work due to health concerns. In her free time, Aye enjoys making traditional Burmese food. Since March, Aye has been experiencing bloating, a sense of fullness in her stomach, fatigue, and weakness. After seeking out medical care, Aye was diagnosed with a right ovarian tumor. Doctors recommended she undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, a procedure wherein surgeons will remove her uterus. If left untreated, Aye's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for future health complications. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), can help. Aye is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on June 13th at BCMF's care center. Now, BCMF is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, Aye will no longer experience discomfort and can live more confidently. Aye said, "Since I was diagnosed with this condition, I cannot work. So, I have no income. I feel sorry that my niece's family has to support me despite their financial problems. However, I now feel relieved that this organization [BCMF] will support my treatment."

Sochan is a 41-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives just outside the capital of Phnom Penh with his wife, daughter, and son. His wife is also a rice farmer, and his daughter recently got a job in a garment factory. Their son is still in school and about to complete 9th grade. In his downtime, Sochan likes to go to the pagoda to pray. In October 2022, Sochan was walking down the street when he was hit in the back of the head by a robber and fell. His phone and cash were stolen. He sustained some injuries from the fall, including a clavicle fracture. His wife took him to a nearby provincial hospital where surgeons fixated hardware to heal the clavicle fracture. Sochan and his wife spent their savings to pay for the procedure. Now, the hardware is no longer serving a purpose and causes him Sochan pain and discomfort in his right shoulder and arm. He is unable to work and worries about the future of his family. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. On June 7th, Sochan will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $304. This procedure will improve his range of motion and eliminate pain. Sochan contributed $100 to his care. He shared, "I don't want to be in pain anymore, and I want to work to support my family."