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.”

Saren is a 67-year-old retired farmer from Kampong Speu. She is married with two sons, five daughters, and 12 grandchildren. She lives with her retired husband and one of her daughters. At home, she enjoys going to the local pagoda or listening to the monks pray on the local radio station. Almost a year ago, Saren developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her cloudy, blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. When Saren learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On December 6th, doctors will perform phacoemulsification cataract surgery and place an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. She shared: "I hope after surgery I will be able to help my daughter do housework, take care of my grandchildren, and help my family with our rice planting."

Sovan is a 24-year-old restaurant security guard. He was married last year and is expecting his first child with his wife, who is a seamstress in a local factory. Until his injury, he enjoyed playing volleyball with friends. In February, he was hit by a car while on his motorbike and fractured his left forearm when he fell on the pavement. He did not go to a clinic to be examined because he did not have enough money. Nine months after his injury, he is unable to use his left arm and the broken bone has failed to heal. He has swelling, pain, and tenderness. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. On November 22nd, Sovan will undergo a fracture repair procedure, which will cost $483. This procedure will finally repair the fracture. With physical therapy after surgery, he can regain strength and range of motion, allowing him to find work again. Sovan shared: "I hope my arm will be fixed, I will no longer be in pain, and I can find a job to support my growing family."