Elicy is a 40-year-old married mother of four children aged between two and twenty years. She used to work part-time, doing laundry in people’s homes but due to her illness, she is unable to continue working. Her husband is a casual worker. They live in a rented house that costs about $4.75 per month. Elicy loves spending time with her husband and enjoying local meals. In 2019, Elicy observed swelling near her belly button region that was causing discomfort during her daily tasks. She sought medical attention at a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with an umbilical hernia, a condition where tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge near the navel. Surgery was recommended, but she had to return home and wait for the opportunity to undergo treatment. By the end of 2023, the swelling and pains had worsened, and her physical laundry work was exacerbating the symptoms. At the hospital, she was recommended rest and advised to avoid strenuous activities while awaiting surgery, which significantly impacted her earnings. Earlier this month, she decided to visit our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, where the diagnosis of umbilical hernia was confirmed, requiring surgical intervention. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Elicy receive treatment. On March 19th, surgeons at PIH will perform a hernia repair surgery providing her the opportunity for a healthier, pain-free life. Now, Elicy needs help to fund this $575 procedure. Elicy says, “I can’t wait to be well again, my husband needs my support to provide for the family.”

Jayden is a 15-month-old baby - full of smiles and jovial. However, it's difficult for him to pass urine, which was diagnosed at birth. He is the only son and his mother is a single parent who is still in school pursuing a hairdressing course. They both live at his grandmother’s home in Western Kenya. Jayden's grandmother works as a laborer getting work when she can. Jayden was born with hypospadias, a birth condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of cancer and infertility. Fortunately, Jayden is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on January 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $847 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Jayden's mother says, “My child deserves to grow as a normal kid. The good thing is that this condition can be rectified and he can heal.”

Mey is a 5-year-old girl from Cambodia. Her father works in construction and her mother works in a clothes factory in Kampong Chhnang province. She enjoys playing with other children in the village and playing with her dolls. Mey was born with Sprengel's shoulder where her right shoulder is higher than her left one. It is a complicated condition causing asymmetry within the shoulder blade and chest area and restricting movement of her shoulder and arms. This has affected her confidence and ability to interact with other children. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), can help. She and her parents traveled for four hours to the clinic. On March 1st, she will undergo a Woodward procedure, a surgery to improve symmetry in her torso and improve movement. CSC is requesting $572 to fund this procedure. After surgery, Mey's family hopes that she will have better movement of her shoulder, grow normally, and have no pain. Mey's mother shared, "I hope my daughter will have a normal shoulder and not be shy about starting school next year."