Bakari is 6-year-old boy from Tanga, Tanzania. He is known for his charm, sociability, and outspoken nature. He is the first child to his mother, with his father having passed away. His mother, due to remarriage and relocation to another region, Mwanza, had to leave him in the care of his grandmother and uncle. Currently a student, Bakari recently embarked on his primary education, finding joy in the time spent at school with his peers, though limited in activities due to the condition he was born with. Bakari faces a physical challenge as he was born with a condition affecting both of his feet, causing them to twist inward and downward, significantly impacting his mobility. Early in his life, he had an opportunity for treatment in Tanga, but unfortunately, his father’s demise led to a lack of follow-up post-operative care, resulting in a relapse. At the age of two, his grandmother took him to the hospital for treatment, but insufficient financial resources prevented them from completing the necessary procedures, leading to yet another relapse. Determined to secure proper treatment for Bakari, his grandmother patiently gathered savings and, in late 2023, brought him to Arusha, specifically to Nkuaranga Hospital. During their visit, the doctor informed them that, due to Bakari’s age, he required more complex surgery, which the grandmother couldn’t afford. The doctor then directed them to Kafika house. Upon arrival, he was assessed by the team there. Bakari has clubfoot of both feet. His treatment plan will start with manipulation and casting, followed by corrective surgery. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. The team at Kafika House will begin clubfoot treatment on January 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Bakari's clubfoot repair. After treatment, his mobility will significantly improve. Bakari’s grandmother says: “I really hope my grandson's feet will be okay. I have struggled to see him get treatment hoping his future will be okay.”

Alismendy is an adorable five-year-old preschooler from Haiti. He loves to play with toy cars and paint. Alismendy lives with his mother and father in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. His father works and his mother is the primary caregiver for the family. Alismendy has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus, where a hole exists between two large blood vessels near his heart. This causes blood to leak through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. The surgery that Alismendy needs is not available within Haiti, so he will fly to the United States to receive treatment. On March 4th, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will use a device attached to the tip of a catheter to plug the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization, Gift of Life New York, is contributing $5,000 to support his surgery. Alismendy's family also needs help to fund the costs to prepare him for surgery and provide follow-up care. The $1,500 bill covers laboratory tests, medicines, check-ups, and follow-up visits. It also supports obtaining a passport for him and the social workers from our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Alismendy's family overseas. Alismendy's mother says, "Our family has been hoping for this surgery ever since our son was diagnosed three years ago. We are so glad that the time has finally arrived."

Diana and her husband Isaya just had beautiful newborn twins! Their family lives in the Arusha region of Tanzania. Diana works in the home, managing the household and caring for their children, while Isaya works diligently on their farm to provide food. In addition to farming, Isaya seeks daily work to supplement their income. Since the babies have been born the family has been working hard to try to provide them with everything they need. Diana's newborn babies were born with clubfoot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This will cause difficulty walking and even wearing shoes throughout his life. Fortunately, their family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. There, the team will begin clubfoot treatment on February 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund their baby's clubfoot repair surgery. After treatment, his feet will grow straight to be able to walk easily and wear shoes. Diana Says, “I hope both my children will grow up with no disability.”