Shedrack is a 6-year-old boy from Tanzania who recently joined a kindergarten class. He enjoys going to school and playing with toy cars with his best friend. Shedrack is presently facing challenges due to an accident he had when he was just seven months old. While playing, he accidentally got too close to an open fire and crawled over it, resulting in burns to his right hand from pieces of firewood. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where he received a dressing for his wounds. It took two months for the burns to heal, but it was not until later that his mother realized his fingers were not fully functional due to the burn injury. The scar tissue that had developed made it difficult for Shedrack to use his right hand fingers, rendering him unable to hold a pencil at school. Despite this limitation, he still enjoys playtime with toys, using his left hand only. Shedrack’s mother desired to get treatment for her son, but financial constraints prevented them from seeking surgical intervention. Shedrack's family encountered a doctor affiliated with our medical partner's care center Kafika House, who directed them to seek assistance at the facility. Upon evaluation, Shedrack was diagnosed with burn scar contractures on his right hand, necessitating corrective surgery to address the defects caused by the fire accident. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Shedrack receive treatment at their care center Kafika House. On March 7th, surgeons will perform a burn contracture release surgery to improve his hand’s functionality. Now, his family needs help to fund this $874 procedure. Shedrack’s mother says: “I hope he starts his treatment and that his hand won’t be a barrier as he continues with school.”

Andrew is a 62-year-old farmer from Malawi. He is married with five children, all living in their respective homes. He presently lives with his wife and two grandchildren, growing corn to support his family. He expressed that he would have desired to pursue a different career path, but he was unable to complete his primary school education, which unfortunately restricted his job opportunities. Three months ago, Andrew started experiencing discomfort in a sensitive area, including pain while carrying out daily activities. He went to a nearby health center, and was referred to the district hospital where he was unfortunately unable to secure an appointment with the surgeon. Andrew had a friend who had experienced a similar condition, and his friend recommended that he visit our medical partner's care center, Nkhoma Hospital. Andrew was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. Physicians at Nkhoma Hospital determined that Andrew should undergo a prostatectomy, which is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Andrew receive treatment. On April 16th, surgeons at Nkhoma Hospital will perform a prostatectomy to alleviate his pain and treat his condition. Andrew and his family are able to contribute $58 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $530 more to fund the operation. Andrew says, "Treatment is what I’m looking for, and I will be glad when this condition is healed.”

Junoir is a student from Kenya, currently he is in fifth grade. He resides in the interiors of Igembe North County and is the eldest child of three. He has twin younger sisters. Junoir and his family live on Junior's grandfather’s land, where his mother grows maize and beans. They have a single room house built of poles and an open kitchen roofed with a polythene paper. Junior's mother uses the money she gets from her daily jobs to pay for her children's school supplies and household necessities. For ten months, Junoir has been experiencing pain in his left groin from a symptomatic hernia. He was taken to the nearby health center where he was treated for an infection. He improved, but the pain recurred. He was referred to a regional clinic, but they did not have transportation. Later Maua Methodist Hospital announced a medical camp near them, and it was a great relief to Junior and also his mother. He was seen by the doctors in the medical camp and referred to the hospital where they found left testicular swelling from the hernia. If not treated, it can progress to intestinal complications. Fortunately, on February 15th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $733 to fund Junoir's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Junior's mother says, "Please help my son so that he can continue with schooling with ease. I believe he has a bright future ahead”.