Khryzanelle is a loving mother from Philippines. Khryzanelle, her husband and their baby live with her mother and father. Her husband works as a service staff at a local restaurant and her father works as a security guard. She spends her days mostly taking care of her two year old baby. Three years ago, Khryzanelle began to experience troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain. At first she thought that it was related to her pregnancy. Three months after giving birth, the pain returned and lasted for a week. She decided to seek medical attention and through ultrasound, she was diagnosed with gallstones. Khryzanelle has been advised to undergo gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy. If left untreated, her symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Khryzanelle was able to schedule her surgery. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,128 to cover the cost of Khryzanelle's surgery and care. Khryzanelle shared "This free surgery will not only help me but my husband and my father. There is no way we can afford this surgery so I am very grateful for your help. Thank you and may God bless you and your families."

Hassan is an only child whose parents separated before he was born. Prior to his birth, Hassan's mother worked alongside his grandmother, doing farm work to earn income. After Hassan was born, his mother had to stop working so she could take care of him. Hassan was diagnosed with spina bifida at birth, a condition that occurs when a developing baby's spinal cord fails to develop or close properly while in the womb. Hassan had a swelling on his back that was open and leaking. He was admitted in hospital for a few days while his mother was taught how to dress the wound. An MRI and a CT scan were done and he was scheduled for surgery weeks later. While home, his mother continued with the wound dressings as instructed until the leaking stopped. During one of the post-natal clinics, Hassan and his mother were referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids, for treatment. Upon arrival at BethanyKids, Hassan was examined and was additionally diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a build up of fluids in the brain. He was then scheduled for a spina bifida repair surgery, and the mother was told that once he recovered, he would be scheduled for a shunt insertion surgery. Due to financial challenges and a loss of income for Hassan's mother, the family is unable to meet the medical expenses. Without treatment, Hassan is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Hassan receive treatment. On March 15th, surgeons at BethanyKids will conduct a spina bifida closure surgery to promote Hassan's healthy growth and development. Now, Hassan's family needs help to fund this $1,151 procedure. Hassan’s mother says, “A while back, I had already given up on Hassan's treatment. Because the community had never seen such a condition, I was told that I would always get children who have different medical conditions. After coming to this facility, I realized that this was not the case. My hopes were raised again and now I’m looking forward to the best outcome in Hassan’s treatment.”

Suzan is a 30 year old farmer in southwestern Uganda. Despite completing 7th grade, she couldn't proceed with further education due to a lack of school fees. She engages in farming, cultivating food crops on her small piece of land primarily for home consumption. She also sells the surplus to generate income for her family. She is a devoted mother of two children, one in nursery and another in primary class three. She takes pleasure in caring for her children, handling their washing and cooking for them. Seeing her children enjoy the food she has prepared herself brings her great joy. Her husband works as a builder, and they reside in a three-room mud-built house. Suzan recounts that her last child was delivered via caesarean section but sadly passed away at 3 months. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She is currently expecting her fourth child. She's been attending antenatal care at Nyakibale Hospital. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section because of her higher risk. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Suzan undergo a caesarean section on December 12th. This procedure will cost $252, and Suzan needs your support. Suzan says, “With your support, I hope for a successful delivery, a live baby and a full recovery even afterward.”