Meet Salmin, an adored newborn baby from Tanzania and the youngest in his family of four children. His father is a soldier and must spend most of his time away from home, and his mother is a teacher. Salmin was born with clubfoot on his right foot and hyperextension on his left knee. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Salmin’s parents want to ensure he receives the best care to grow up to live a healthy and fulfilling life. When they learned about our medical partner’s care center, they brought him in for assessment and treatment. Salmin will first receive non-surgical care that involves gentle manipulation and casting of his right foot. Over the course of several weeks, Salmin’s foot angle will gradually improve; then, he will undergo tenotomy surgery on May 16th. After treatment, Salmin will be able to walk easily as he grows and reaches the walking stage. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund Salmin’s surgery. Salmin’s mother said: “I have been constantly worried since I got news of my son’s condition. I am hopeful that with the right treatment, he will be fine.”

Som Orn is a 53-year-old rice farmer. She shared that her husband passed away ten years ago due to liver cancer. Som Orn has three sons, three daughters, and two grandchildren. Her children all work in construction, and she works in the rice fields. At home, Som Orn likes to listen to the news on the radio. Five years ago, Som Orn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her photophobia, tearing, and blurry vision. As a result, she has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so she cannot go out on her own. When Som Orn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), she traveled for six and a half hours seeking treatment. On February 7th, doctors will perform cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly again. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Som Orn said: "After surgery, I hope I will see better. I can plant rice or find a job to earn money to support my family."

Meet Eva, a beautiful two-week-old newborn from Tanzania! Her mother had a smooth delivery and is overjoyed with her new baby. Eva also has a sibling, and her family lives in a small, remote village. Eva’s family depends on small-scale agriculture for food and income. Unfortunately, agriculture has not been enough, and they are trying to find different sources of income, but with no success so far. Eva was born with 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. Eva’s mother shared concerns about the challenges Eva will face growing up. Eva’s family traveled to visit our medical partner’s care center; on May 5th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund Eva’s clubfoot repair. After treatment and with proper therapy, Eva can learn to walk as she grows. Eva’s mother says, “I am relieved to hear that my daughter has a chance to get treatment that will help with her condition. I hope she grows to face no stigma in her life.”