Queen is a sweet 11-month-old from Tanzania. She is the youngest child in her family of eight children. Queen is very curious and charming; when she was at our medical partner’s care center, she could not stop playing with the other children. Her family is from a remote part of Western Tanzania, and her parents farm maize and beans. Queen’s mother shared that the recent weather changes made it hard for them to cultivate maize, and they are now dependent on their cultivation of beans. The low harvest also means there are not enough surplus crops to sell and earn money to support the family’s basic needs. Queen has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Queen’s family was able to travel to our medical partner’s care center for assistance. On February 7th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery that will allow Queen to walk easily and wear shoes as she grows up. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund this procedure. Queen’s mother says: “I am worried that my daughter will be so limited when she grows up. I hope she gets the treatment for her condition.”

Tos is a 63-year-old security guard. He is married with three kids. His oldest son works in Phnom Penh, and he and his wife live with his other two children who are still in high school. In his free time, Tos enjoys gardening and spending time with his family. Two years ago, Tos developed pain in his ankle and shortly thereafter noticed a skin infection appear. Over time, the infection has grown and he now experiences constant pain with pus coming from an open wound on his ankle. For the last several weeks, Tos has been unable to walk due to the severity of his infection. When Tos learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for an hour to seek treatment. Fortunately, doctors at CSC are able to help Tos and created a treatment plan for his infection. On April 27th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the infected tissue on his right ankle. CSC is requesting $324 to fund this procedure and help Tos walk again. Tos shared, "After surgery, I hope the pain will better, and that I can walk and go back to work to support my family."

Soeun is a 72-year-old retired rice farmer from Kompong Chhnang province in Cambodia. She has three sons, one daughter, and nine grandchildren. Recently widowed, she now lives alone near her oldest son, who is also a rice farmer. In her free time, she helps care for her grandchildren. About three years ago, Soeun developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Her impaired vision makes her unwilling to go out walking on her own. On April 21st, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After recovery, Soeun will be able to see clearly and regain her independence. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and Soeun need your help to fund this $253 procedure. Soeun said: "I hope my vision improves after surgery and I can do housework, and get around easily by myself."