Ethan is a one-month-old baby boy from Kenya. He was born with spina bifida, a condition where the baby's spinal column and spinal cord do not close completely before birth. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. At four days old, Ethan underwent spinal closure surgery. While Ethan was in recovery, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Ethan has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Ethan will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Ethan that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 25th and will drain the excess fluid from Ethan's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Ethan will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Ethan's mother shared, "I find it hard to understand why this had to happen to my son. He is going through unimaginable pain. I wish I could bear the pain on his behalf. I am, however, hopeful that this surgery will put an end to his misery."

Kelvin is a lively five-year-old boy who lives in Kenya with his parents and older sibling. His father is a motorcycle taxi driver, and his mother is a farmer. He is an active boy who enjoys playing football. At home, he is very helpful and often assists his family with chores, including working on the farm. Kelvin was born with a significant misalignment in his right foot. This condition has affected his ability to stand upright and to walk with ease. Kelvin was also born with a heart condition, which took priority in terms of treatment. Thankfully, this condition was successfully treated, and Kelvin's family can now focus on treatment for his mobility issues. Kelvin has already received conservative treatments at several hospitals, but unfortunately, there has been no significant improvement in his condition. Thus, his parents decided to visit the CURE Mobile Clinic in Meru, where they were referred to our partner's medical care center, AIC CURE International Hospital. After a thorough assessment, Kelvin was scheduled for right tibia hemimelia reconstruction surgery. This surgery is expected to greatly improve his life, allowing him to stand upright, walk properly, and enjoy childhood like other children his age. Kelvin will undergo surgery on April 29th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Kelvin's procedure and care. Kelvin's mother shared, “I am praying that he receives treatment, recovers quickly, and can join school like other children."

Ketmada is a 17-year-old student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three older siblings in a mountainous village in central Haiti. Her father is a school custodian, and her mother is a homemaker. She likes cosmetics and beauty care and would like to be a professional cosmetician one day. Ketmada has been diagnosed with a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the valves in her heart does not open and close properly due to an infection she suffered earlier in childhood, and as a result, her heart cannot adequately circulate blood through her body. Ketmada needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 24th, Ketmada will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally. If her valve cannot be repaired, the surgeons will instead remove it and implant an artificial replacement. While another organization, Mitral Foundation, is funding Ketmada's surgery, her family will also need help to fund the costs of her surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. That amount will also support securing travel documents for her family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Ketmada's family overseas. Ketmada says joyfully, "I am very excited to have this surgery so that I can stop worrying so much about my heart!"

Kristoffer is a 39-year-old man from the Philippines. He used to work overseas, away from his family. When he returned to the Philippines to settle permanently, he started a water refilling business. His work requires him to lift heavy water containers and deliver them to customers regularly. Five years ago, Kristoffer felt sudden discomfort and noticed a mass in a sensitive area of his body. He continued to feel discomfort and pain whenever he sat for long periods or lifted heavy objects. A few weeks ago, more symptoms appeared, greatly worrying him. Kristoffer has two children and continues to support his elderly parents, making his health concerns even more distressing for him. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. Kristoffer was diagnosed with hemorrhoids, and he needs surgery to address his symptoms. On January 29th, Kristoffer will undergo a hemorrhoidectomy. He needs help to raise $978 to fund his procedure and care. Kristoffer said, "Hopefully, I can move more freely after the operation. I do not want to worry about my condition again. Instead, I want to focus my energy on our business and taking care of my children and parents."

Sapphire is five years old and a kindergarten student from the Philippines. Her father is a construction worker. Sapphire is very playful, especially now that she has started school and made new friends. About a year ago, her parents noticed a small bump on the sole of her left foot. At first, they thought it would go away after a few days. However, as months passed, the bump slowly grew bigger. Sapphire’s mother shared that she and her husband became more worried as they saw the lump increase in size. In January of this year, their fear grew when they saw discharge coming from Sapphire’s foot. They immediately brought her to a doctor, who advised that the mass be removed as soon as possible. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 28th, Sapphire 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 $1,063 to fund her treatment. Sapphire's mother shared, "My husband and I will feel happy and relieved once Sapphire can get treated and walk normally. We no longer have to think about how we can afford to get her the help that she needs."

Paw is a 30-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and son in a refugee camp in Thailand. She and her husband receive monthly cash support from an international aid agency. Another organization provides access to basic healthcare in the camp. During her free time, Paw cleans her house and tends to her vegetable garden in their yard. Paw is currently expecting her second child. Her doctors recommend that she deliver via a caesarean section due to a high-risk pregnancy. This way, doctors can ensure the safety of both mother and child. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Paw fund and undergo this procedure on December 24th. This operation will cost $1500, and Paw needs your support. Paw’s pregnancy is progressing well, and looks forward to giving birth. She says, "I will love this baby, whether it is a boy or a girl."

Brenda is 14 years old and a fifth-grader from Kenya. She is the second of six children in her family. Brenda dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Brenda has clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. She previously had surgery on her left foot, and is now being prepared to have surgery on her right foot. Walking has been challenging for her, as her foot naturally turns inward, making every step uncomfortable. With ongoing treatment, she is gradually moving closer to walking comfortably and confidently. On November 26th, Brenda will undergo clubfoot correction surgery at our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Brenda's procedure and care. After treatment, she will be able to walk without pain, play freely, and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Brenda shared, "I can’t wait to walk on my two feet properly. I will be so happy and look forward to continuing my education without any challenges."