SokKea is a 48-year-old traditional Khmer noodle seller. She was widowed twenty years ago, and now lives with her married son, who is a garment factory worker. At home, she likes to do housework and to take care of her grandchildren. Many years ago, SokKea developed nasal polyps, which are noncancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passage. For this reason, she experiences difficulty breathing. She frequently has a runny nose, and sneezes constantly. She tried different medications that she purchased at her local pharmacy, but none of them has been able to alleviate her symptoms. There are many times when she doesn't feel well enough to work, which puts a strain on the family's finances. SokKea learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought their help. Doctors diagnosed her with a deviated septum, in addition to the nasal polyps. She is now scheduled to undergo a nasal polypectomy on December 19th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. After the polyps have been removed, SokKea should be able to breathe more easily. Now, she needs your help to fund this $319 procedure. SokKea said: "I hope after surgery I won't have any more pain in my nose, and I can breathe easily."

Anastazia is a 5-year-old girl. She comes from a big family, with 7 children and two parents. She enjoys spending time with her siblings helping around their house; cooking, washing, and fetching water are some of her favorite activities at home. She lives in a small village called Maji moto located in the northwest of Tanzania, where people from the area are mostly farmers. Anastazia's parents are small-scale farmers who cultivate maize and nuts which are rain dependent. Due to the recent climate change, that has affected rains, they have not had a good harvest in the past two years that has resulted in an unreliable market and income. One year ago, Anastazia got in an accident; while she was trying to help her older sister take a pot of hot tea from the stove, the steam from the pot burned her hand and she let go of the pot and the tea spilled all over her right arm, axilla, and groin. She was given first aid by her sister and then rushed to the hospital. It took almost two months for the wounds to fully heal. Burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around her burn. She has had difficulty and discomfort while walking. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Anastazia receive treatment. On March 2nd, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her walk easily again. Now, she needs help to fund this $639 procedure. Anastazia’s mother says, “She enjoys spending time playing with her siblings and friends but the pain from her thighs makes her enjoy it less. I hope this treatment will give her the chance to enjoy games with her siblings.”

Sylivia is a 50-year-old mother of four children who are all in school. She is a farmer and the sole breadwinner of the family since separating from her husband. Her income barely enough to meet all their daily needs and her hospital bills. Four years ago, Sylivia began to experience worrisome symptoms, including neck swelling, trouble breathing, swallowing problems, and she lost weight. She was diagnosed with obstructed goitre. She had a scan and a thyroid test and upon review, surgery was recommended. She is not able to raise the money needed for surgery, which she needs to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sylivia receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on January 24th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $252, and she and her family need help raising money to pay for it. Sylivia says, “I love singing in the church, but I have lost my voice. I hope with your support, I will get well and be able to resume my activities.”