Rafael is a 22-month-old boy from Ethiopia. His mother works in the finance department of a government institution, while his father works in the utilities sector. He is joyful and active child, who loves playing with toys and cars. Rafael has a condition called cryptorchidism, meaning that one of his testicles has not descended. This condition is often not obvious to parents and may not be diagnosed for some time. Fortunately for Rafael, an extended family member was familiar with a related condition and encouraged Rafael’s mother to have him checked. Rafael then had an ultrasound evaluation in which his condition was confirmed, and surgery was recommended. When Rafael’s mother learned about the condition, she became worried and anxious for his future. Without treatment, Rafael has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and future fertility problems. Fortunately, the doctors referred Rafael for surgery at our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). After about a month, the family was warmly welcomed at BKMCM. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), has scheduled Rafael’s surgery for August 17th. AMH is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Rafael’s mother shared, “Thank you so much to everyone at BethanyKids. I hope Rafael will be healthy and that he will have a successful and peaceful surgery.”

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.”

Mogdaly is a preschooler from Haiti. She is the second child in her family and lives with her parents and one brother in a small fishing village. Her parents operate a small business. She likes watching cartoons. Mogdaly has a cardiac condition called pulmonic stenosis. One of the four valves of Modgaly's heart is too narrow, causing blood to back up and leading to heart failure. Mogdaly needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On May 6th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which doctors will use a balloon on the end of a catheter to stretch her valve open to a more normal size, so that blood can flow through it more normally. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, will be funding her surgery. Mogdaly's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. She needs help raising $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Mogdaly's family overseas. Mogdaly's mother shares, "Our family will be praying for everyone who is healing our daughter's heart!"

Korb is 65 years old and a father of two from Takeo Province, Cambodia. His wife sells rice, while their two children work as bag factory workers. In his free time, he likes exercising and helping his wife with some works Around two years ago, Korb began experiencing pain in his left hip due to avascular necrosis, which can occur when blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is disrupted, leading to bone cell death and the collapse of the femoral head. This condition has caused difficulty walking and limited his ability to perform daily tasks independently. The condition developed naturally, without trauma or accident. He had previously undergone a total hip arthroplasty on his right hip in 2017 with the help of our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Korb decided to travel back to CSC for treatment on his left hip. On March 17th, Korb will undergo a hip replacement procedure, where surgeons will operate on his hip to relieve pain and improve mobility, allowing him to move comfortably and return to work. Korb and his family can contribute $25, but they need help raising $1,475 to fund his procedure and care. Korb said, "After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have hip pain and be able to walk more easily, so I can move around more independently and do some works to support my family."

Chakriya is a 39-year-old man from Takaeo province, Cambodia. He lives with his wife and two children. His oldest child is in kindergarten, and his youngest child is two years old. His wife stays at home to look after the children and manage household tasks. In his free time, he enjoys planting vegetables around his home and listening to music. For the past 14 years, Chakriya has been living with ankylosing spondylitis - a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine, causing back pain, stiffness, and inflammation, especially the base of the spine and pelvis. Around one year ago, Chakriya began experiencing pain in his right hip, which has caused difficulty walking and limited his ability to perform daily tasks independently. He had previously undergone a total hip arthroplasty on his left hip in 2014 with the help of our medical partner. Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). Chakriya decided to travel back to CSC for treatment on his right hip. On January 16th, he will undergo a hip replacement procedure, which will cost $1500, including surgery and post-op care. Chakriya and his family can contribute $50, and need support for the remaining cost. Surgeons will operate on his right hip to relieve pain and improve mobility, allowing him to move comfortably and return to work. Chakriya said, "After the surgery, I hope that I will be able to walk easily and no longer have hip pain, so I can do my job properly."

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."

San is a 50-year-old woman from Burma. She lives alone in a village in Tak Province, Thailand. Originally from Burma, she moved to Thailand in 2015 in search of better job opportunities. San works as an agricultural day laborer, earning around 2,400 THB per month, which is often not enough to cover her daily expenses. When she needs for basic health care, she visits Mae Tao Clinic (MTC). Lately, she has borrowed 3,000 THB with interest from friends to cover her recent medical costs. For over a year now, San has been experiencing abdomen distension. When she touched her lower right abdomen, she could feel a mass. San went to our medical partner for a review and was diagnosed with uterine myoma. She has been advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix. If left untreated, San's symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. Fortunately, San is scheduled to undergo her hysterectomy on December 18th. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Once recovered, San will recover from her worrying symptoms, allowing her a healthier life. She said, “I feel very sad and worried about my surgery because I cannot afford to pay for it. Now that I have learned that the organisation (HFA-BCMF) and the donors will cover for my surgery, I feel very happy and relieved. I am thankful to all donors and to HFA-BCMF for saving my life. Without your support, I would not have been able to afford the treatment, and I might have lost my life. When I fully recover, I will return to my work."

Chorb is 76 years old and a doting grandmother from Cambodia. Five months ago, after her husband passed away, Chorb moved in with her eldest child. She has four other children and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. For the past four months, Chorb has suffered from hip pain that prevents her from walking. Because of this, she cannot move around freely or visit the pagoda, which was part of her daily routine. She worries about losing her independence and being limited in her activities. Chorb was referred to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center (CSC), by a friend from her village. On November 11th, Chorb will undergo a hip replacement procedure on her left hip. Her family can contribute $100, but needs help to raise $1,400 more to fund her procedure and care. After surgery, Chorb hopes to regain mobility, to be free from hip pain, and to return to visiting the pagoda independently. Chorb said: “After the surgery, I hope that I will no longer have hip pain, and I can walk on my own."