Susan is a six-year-old girl from Kenya. From an early age, Susan experienced delayed developmental milestones. She was only able to sit at eight months and did not begin walking until she was two years old. As she grew, her parents noticed that she had difficulty speaking and pronouncing words. They hoped that, with time, she would improve, but the challenges persisted. Her parents enrolled her in school, believing that interacting with other children would help her learn to communicate better. Unfortunately, Susan continued to struggle both academically and socially. While her peers progressed to the next grade, she had to repeat a class because she was unable to keep up with communication and learning activities. Seeking help, her family first took her to a nearby hospital, and later, through a friend’s recommendation, she was referred to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. After undergoing audiology assessments, Susan was diagnosed with severe hearing loss. The major reason she cannot speak clearly is that she is unable to hear properly. When her parents learned the cost of hearing aids, they were worried. Susan’s father depends on casual construction and farming jobs to provide for his wife and their three children, while her mother works as a waitress at a local food joint. Despite working tirelessly, the family cannot afford the support Susan urgently needs. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Susan receive treatment. On 21st May, she will be fitted with hearing aids that will improve her hearing. With consistent speech therapy, her communication skills will also improve, so she catch up with her peers. Now, Susan's parents are seeking support to raise $1,171, to aid in treatment for their daughter's hearing, help her find her voice, and continue her education with confidence alongside other children her age. Susan’s mother says, “Susan is a very active and bright child, but because she cannot hear properly, she struggles to keep up with other children her age. Being able to hear would help her speak more clearly, interact confidently, and progress well in her education.”

Danae is a two-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mother, who runs a small convenience store, and her father, who works as a taxi driver but has recently been at home helping care for Danae. She is the family's first child. When Danae was born, she had difficulty breastfeeding and gaining weight. Doctors informed her parents that she had a heart condition called coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of the aorta that causes blood to back up and places strain on the heart. Danae needs surgery treatment to treat the condition. Fortunately, on April 29th, our medical partner, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría, will help Danae undergo cardiac surgery to repair the affected section of the aorta. This procedure will cost $1,500, and Danae needs your support to fund her surgery and care. Danae's grandmother said, "We had travelled a long way to be here, and we are so happy that my first grandchild can receive her surgery now."

Serah is a jovial lady from Kenya. When you see Serah laughing or talking, you might think she is youthful. However, Serah is 84 years old according to her ID card, although she says she is actually older than that. Serah’s father advised her to remain at her parents’ home, and that is where she continued living, as she had separated from her husband years ago. As she grew older, one of her brother’s sons took her in so she could live with his family. Sometime in the middle of last month, during the ongoing rains and wet conditions, Serah slipped and fell, injuring her left hand. She was taken to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she had sustained a closed fracture of the radius and ulna. A surgery was performed. However, a follow-up control X-ray later showed that the screws were becoming displaced, and Serah now requires a repeat surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On March 9th, Serah will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will help alleviate the pain and prevent a deformity. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund Serah's procedure. "I live a life of disturbing my siblings' children. I hope I can get someone to help me so that I can be operated on and be able to remain independent," said Serah.

Bridgit is a little girl from Kenya. She is the youngest of her three siblings and is from Nairekia Ngale village in Narok County. Bridgit has clubfoot in both her feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Though young, Bridgit's journey has already been marked by pain and rejection. When Bridgit was two years old, her father left the family, unable to accept her disability. This left Bridgit's mum not only heartbroken, but also burdened with the full responsibility of providing for her children. With no stable income, she began working on other people’s farms to earn a small wage. The work is exhausting and unpredictable, but she perseveres each day for the sake of her children. There were moments of uncertainty, yet Bridgit's mum chose not to give up. Instead, she gathered strength and pressed on with faith. Hope came unexpectedly. One day, as Bridgit was playing in the village, church elders noticed her condition and felt compelled to help. They invited her mum to church and shared about the services offered at CURE International. Moved by her situation, the church congregation contributed funds for transport and ensured that Bridgit could travel for a medical review. At CURE Children's Hospital of Kenya, doctors assessed Bridgit and enrolled her in serial casting as preparation for corrective surgery. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital, will perform clubfoot repair surgery for Bridgit on March 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Bridgit's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk, run, and play without difficulty. She will have the chance to join school and build friendships confidently. Her restored mobility will not only change her physical life, but also rebuild her self-esteem. “I am looking forward to seeing my child healed. When she gets better, I will give 10% to God as a thanksgiving offering,” Bridgit's mum told us.

Jennifer is 34 years old and a mother of three from Romblon, Philippines. She makes and sells rice cakes in town. When she gave birth to her youngest child in 2015, Jennifer noticed a lump in her breast. Since then, the lump has been growing, worrying her. She is in pain, which she manages with painkillers. She has been unable to seek care, as she knows she cannot afford it. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, Jennifer will undergo surgery to remove the mass. This procedure should address her symptoms and allow her to live more comfortably. She needs help to raise $1,416 to fund her treatment. Jennifer shared, "I am very thankful that I can finally be treated for the lumps in my breast. Thank you so much to everyone for your help."

Yunus, who is 21 months old, is a happy, friendly little boy, who loves to play with his older brother, and with whatever he finds. Yunus lives with his mother, father, and brother in Ethiopia. While his mother lovingly manages their household, his father tirelessly works as an electrician to provide for the family. The family has faced many problems since Yunus was born. When the city built a new corridor, his father lost his shop, which made it difficult for him to earn enough money to support his family. Yunus was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms, and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Yunus is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 30th, at BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Yunus's mother emotionally said: "I want my child to be as healthy as all the other children. From the depths of my heart, thank you so much for your support."

Joshua, who is 49 years old, lives with his wife and two children in Kenya. He works as a farmhand for a neighbor, while his wife stays home to care for their children. On November 18th, while he was working on the farm, the vehicle he was driving lost its brakes, went out of control, and overturned. Unfortunately, it landed on Joshua’s left leg, causing a fracture-dislocation of his ankle. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On November 25th, Joshua will undergo a fracture repair procedure called an open reduction and internal fixation, at our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital. This treatment will alleviate pain and enable him to heal properly. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund this procedure. "My wish is to get help to have this surgery so that my leg can heal well so that I will be able to go back to my job to continue supporting my family," said Joshua.