Biruk is an adorable toddler from Ethiopia who loves to play and walk. He has recently started walking, and it seems like he only wants to explore the world on his feet. He also enjoys playing with other children, always eager to share their toys or try to claim some for himself. Being the only child in the family, he receives a lot of love and attention from his parents. Biruk's dad holds a university degree in agriculture, and his mom graduated from college with a diploma in ICT. Despite her educational background, she couldn't find a job in that field and now assists her husband with their farming endeavors. They were fortunate to receive a small farming land from their parents, and they work diligently to make a living from it. In addition to farming for their needs, they also purchase crops to sell, aiming to generate additional income and improve their economic situation. Although their income is modest, they work hard to support their family's daily necessities and strive to save up to purchase more land. Biruk was born with Hypospadias, a congenital abnormality which affects the male urinary opening. When he was just five months old, his parents took Biruk to a hospital for medical attention. The doctor mentioned that they would need a referral when the child reaches six months of age. Unfortunately, when they returned to the hospital later, they were informed that the doctor was unavailable, leaving them uncertain and frustrated. Without treatment, Biruk will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of infertility. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Biruk is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery at AMH's care center on August 8th. AMH is requesting $1,293 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Biruk's mum said, “I will work hard to bring my child to a successful future once he receives the treatment and is healed. I hope he will be successful and lead a good life in the future.”

Edisimary is a 49-year-old farmer. She has six children: three sons and three daughters. Her eldest son is a welder, and her two younger sons are training to be mechanics. All three of her daughters are currently students. Edisimary shared that she completed the seventh grade but was unable to continue her education due to a lack of funding. Now, Edisimary and her husband work as farmers on a small piece of land where they eat what they grow and sell any surplus to generate income. During her free time, Edisimary enjoys listening to the radio. For the past three years, Edisimary has experienced painful swelling in her neck, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing which has impacted her voice. She has difficulty working, as her symptoms also cause her to tire quickly. Due to financial challenges, Edisimary has been unable to seek medical attention. A friend informed Edisimary of a surgical support program at our medical partner's care center and she decided to go hoping for support. There she was diagnosed with a bilateral goiter which requires surgery to prevent her symptoms from worsening. Thankfully, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help Edisimary. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on June 6th at our medical partner's care center. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland to help relieve her symptoms. This procedure will cost $252 and Edisimary and her family need help raising money for her treatment. Edisimary says, “I hope to get well and expect a complete recovery once I am given your kind support for surgery.”

Srey Vin is a newly married 22-year-old and a mother of a four-month-old son. Her family lives some distance from Phnom Penh, where she and her husband both work in a garment factory that produces name-brand shoes and athletic wear. Srey Vin loves spending time with her baby and listening to the radio or watching music videos on YouTube. While she was pregnant, a large mass suddenly grew around Srey Vin's mandible, or jawbone. She went to a clinic near her home but was not able to receive help. The clinic suggested that Srey Vin travel two and a half hours to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), for consultation. At CSC, Srey Vin was diagnosed with a giant cell granuloma - a benign tumor that grows from bone cells. They most often occur in the front portion of the lower jaw. These tumors can grow rapidly, cause pain and destroy bone. The tumor has grown very large in Srey Vin's jaw. As a result, she experiences discomfort and difficulty eating and talking. She worries about the tumor growing even larger. Fortunately, the surgeons at CSC can help Srey Vin. On November 7th, Srey Vin will undergo surgery to remove the mass and place a bone graft from her left fibula onto her mandible. Hopefully, this procedure will decrease the pain and discomfort Srey Vin experiences and improve her ability to talk and eat. Her family needs help to fund the $726 operation. Srey Vin shared, "I hope I can remove this growth so I stop worrying all the time and can take care of my son."