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.”

Athalya is a little girl whose smile brightens the spirits of everyone around her. Despite her young age, she shows a special sensitivity when it comes to caring for others. She deeply enjoys music and dance. Athalya dreams of becoming a dancer one day, moving freely and joyfully to the rhythm of her favorite songs. Athalya lives in the town of Rionegro, Antioquia, with her parents, who lovingly support her at every stage of her development. However, about ten months ago, Athalya began experiencing oral discomfort that disrupted her daily routine. After seeing a dentist, she was diagnosed with dentin caries, a condition that began to affect her oral health and also her overall well-being. The pain and discomfort caused by this condition made everyday activities such as eating, concentrating, and fully enjoying her games increasingly difficult. This caused concern among Athalya's family, who sought specialized care to prevent the situation from worsening further. Following a comprehensive evaluation by the dental team, it was determined that, given the extent of the damage and Athalya's age, the safest and most effective treatment should be performed under general anesthesia. This decision made it possible to plan a comprehensive procedure focused on properly restoring Athalya's oral health without causing her any distress. Fortunately, Athalya will get the procedure she needs under anesthesia on April 29th. Our medical partner, Clínica Noel, is requesting $1,109 to help fund her care. Her mother kindly shared, "For Athalya, this treatment represents an opportunity for relief and recovery. It is hoped that it will not only eliminate her physical pain, but also restore her peace of mind when eating, the energy to learn, and the confidence to continue dancing, smiling, and dreaming. Thank you for being part of this process and for lending us a helping hand at such a crucial moment for her health and well-being. May God multiply your kindness and bless you always for everything you do from the heart."

Roger is 41 years old and a hardworking father from the Philippines. He works as a construction worker and is the family's main provider. When jobs are scarce, he fishes or collects recyclables to earn extra income. He and his wife have two children, but his eldest had to stop studying to help support the family. Two years ago, Roger began to experience troubling symptoms, including abdominal pain, discomfort on his sides, and feeling bloated. He was diagnosed with gallstones and has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his 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), Roger is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on March 13th. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Roger's surgery and care. Roger shared, "I am deeply grateful for the chance to receive help for my surgery. The pain has made it hard for me to work and provide for my family, but I believe that with this support, I can recover and return to work more effectively. I look forward to regaining my strength, continuing to support my family, and seeing my eldest child return to school."

Dickson is a four-year-old boy from Tanzania. For him, communication is shaped by his cultural background, as he speaks only the Maasai language. Despite this, he finds ways to express himself, and his quiet yet observant nature allows him to connect deeply with those who understand him. Dickson’s family lives a traditional pastoralist lifestyle, relying primarily on livestock for survival. Their livelihood revolves around cattle and goats, which provide milk and, occasionally, income through sales. Dickson was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, a condition that has affected the strength and alignment of his legs. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. With the surgery, Dickson will have the chance to run and play more freely with other children, bringing hope to his family for a stronger and healthier future. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Dickson. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 19th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Dickson's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Dickson's father says, "I hope my boy will be able to walk our cattle just like his older brothers because it's our wish for him to be part of our culture."

Poe is a 16-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his mother, stepfather, four siblings, and a nephew in Karen State, Burma. His mother is a homemaker, and his stepfather is a subsistence farmer. Poe dropped out of school to learn how to be a mechanic. He helps his father, who drives for the monastery. Poe occasionally receives some money from his father. In his free time, Poe enjoys playing cane ball and football with his friends. On June 30th, 2025, Poe and a friend drove a motorbike to visit his father. As it was raining when he drove uphill, the motorbike skidded, and they fell off. Poe lost consciousness and could not recall the incident. He broke both of his left upper and lower jaw as well as his left clavicle. Due to limited finances, Poe didn't receive surgery right away. He continues to experience pain in his left jaw and left clavicle. He cannot open his mouth, speak, or chew; he can only eat soft food. With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), Poe will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for July 21st and will cost $1,500. This surgery will help Poe be able to eat and chew properly again, and he will no longer be in pain. Poe said, “I hope that I can recover soon so that I can play with my friends again. I also plan to learn to fix cars.” Poe’s mother is thankful to BCMF and the donors. She said, “I do not know what to say, but without your help, we will have to borrow a lot of money. Thank you for helping us.”

Angel is an affectionate two-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Medellin, Colombia. Angel is a very active child who likes to play with his pet kitten. He likes to go to the parks and enjoys eating cake. Angel was born with orchidopexy, or unilateral undescended testicle, which has caused a lot of pain and carries ongoing risk. If left untreated, he may experience other health complications as he grows older. Fortunately, our medical partner, Clínica Noel, can help. Angel will undergo corrective surgery on April 4th and he needs help in raising $1,167 to fund his procedure and care. Angel's parents shared, "We are looking forward to the surgery so that our son can get back to being a playful young boy. We are very appreciative for all the help and support we have received for Angel."

Emily is a two-year-old girl from Bolivia. Emily lives with her mom, her dad, and four siblings. Both parents sell car parts for a living. Her dad also has a second job as a driver. Emily has Down syndrome. She also has a ventricular septal defect, where a hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart. Blood leaks through this hole without passing through her lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving her weak and short of breath. On May 21st, Emily will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, doctors will sew a patch over the hole so blood can no longer leak through it. Emily's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Emily's mother says, "Our family hopes and prays Emily will have a healthy heart after her surgery!"

Wai is a 30-year-old woman from Burma. She lives alone in Tak Province, Thailand. She previously worked in a fabric factory, but had to leave her job because of health issues. Currently unemployed, she relies on a neighbor who owns a rice shop to provide her with meals. She lives in a terraced house and the owner of the house has allowed her to delay rent payments until she has fully recovered and can earn a daily income. For basic health care, she usually visits the Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot, Thailand which provides free services. In her free time, Wai enjoys reciting prayers with prayer beads. She also loves helping with cleaning at the monastery and changing the flowers at the temple. In May 2023, Wai began experiencing swelling and pain on her head, which slowly worsened over time. Initially, she did not visit a clinic, thinking the swelling was simply acne. Two months later, the swelling had increased in size, and her friends advised her to visit MTC. The staff from clinic conducted blood tests and a physical examination, treating her with oral antibiotics, painkillers, and vitamins. She was then scheduled for a follow-up appointment a week later. Unfortunately, her symptoms did not improve. As a result, she was referred to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in February 2024 where she received follow up care. In January this year, Wai underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of her head and incisional biopsy. The results indicated that the swelling was a malignant mass, which required surgery. Currently, Wai still experiences head swelling with discharge, loss of appetite, weight loss and evening fevers, which she medicates with paracetamol. Wai sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on April 21st, which will ease her symptoms and treat her condition. Wai now needs support to raise $1,500 which will cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Wai expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much to BCMF and the donors for the assistance with my treatment costs. I am deeply grateful beyond words. Once I fully recover, I want to help others as much as I can. I hope to repay my thankfulness when I have an income, to show my respect to all the doctors and donors.”

John is a 35-year-old father of one from Cambodia. He lives with his 5-year-old daughter and his wife in Kampong Speu province. His wife works as a garment factory worker, and his daughter is in pre-school. John used to work as a server at a Chinese restaurant. In his free time, he enjoys caring for and playing with his daughter at home. In May 2024, John fell while working at the restaurant. Initially, he experienced mild pain in his right hip, but over time, the pain worsened significantly. By October 2024, the pain had become so intense that he could no longer walk. He has been unable to work and has been using a wheelchair for the past six months. The pain in his hip is severe, and he has also noticed muscle wasting in his legs because he is not able to move them as much. Fortunately, John learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre. At CSC, surgeons can perform a total hip replacement to relieve John of his pain and allow him to walk easily. Treatment is scheduled for March 18th. John can contribute $100 but needs help to raise $1,018 more to fund his procedure and care. John's wife shared: "I hope the doctors can fix his hip and he will be free from pain. He wants to work again to support our family."

Alefa is a single mother of two from Malawi. She sells onions to support her family. Nine years ago, Alefa started experiencing lower abdominal pains. She went to the hospital and was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, and a myomectomy was done to remove the fibroids. Seven years later, the pain came back. A scan revealed she has uterine fibroids and requires surgery. Alefa was referred to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Health Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with symptomatic fibroids and requires a hysterectomy, a procedure where surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, requests $1,363 to fund Alefa's surgery scheduled for February 21st. Once recovered, Alefa will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Alefa said, "My problem is overdue; nine years is not a joke. I look forward to the urgent attention to receive my healing and be a productive mother to my two children again."

Arly is a two-year-old boy from Haiti. He lives in a small village in southwest Haiti with his father. He likes listening to music and drawing with crayons. Arly has a cardiac condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. This condition involves several related defects including a hole between the two lower chambers of the heart and a muscular blockage of one of the valves. Arly will fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On January 22nd, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will close the hole with a patch and remove the blockage from his valve. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is contributing $8000 to pay for surgery. However, Arly's family also needs help to raise $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-ups 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 Arly's family overseas. Arly's father shared, "I have been very scared about my son's health, and I am so glad to know his heart might finally be fixed!"