Five-year-old Ayubu lives with his parents, three siblings and members of his extended family, in Lushoto, Tanga, Tanzania. When Ayubu was about a year and a half old, his family noticed that his legs began bowing outward when he started to walk. Initially, they believed it was a natural growth stage that would resolve over time. However, as Ayubu grew older, his condition worsened, and his ability to walk and to stand properly became increasingly challenging. Ayubu has now been diagnosed with genu varus. This condition is typically caused by the accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. Because of his condition, Ayubu suffers from impaired mobility, discomfort, and an abnormal gait when he moves around. These all form a barrier to his education and overall social participation, and affect his self esteem. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Ayubu. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 26th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Ayubu's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decreasing his risk of future complications and social isolation. Ayubu’s father says: "I wish for my son to be okay and to get the treatment he needs that will make him have a better future."

Som is a 70-year-old retired rice farmer. She has one brother and one sister. Currently, Som lives with her sister and her niece. One year ago, Som developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her tearing and blurry vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and objects around her, so she is reluctant to go out on her own. When Som learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for four and a half hours to seek treatment. On June 8th, doctors at Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Centre will perform small incision cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After her recovery, Som will be able to see clearly, and she will feel safe going places on her own. Children's Surgical Centre is seeking $253 to fund this procedure for Som. Som says: "I hope I will see well again so I can go places on my own and see things clearly."

Kul is a 79-year-old man. He and his wife lost their son when he was very young, so they live with their nephew, who helps support them in their old age. Kul and his wife like to exercise, listen to the radio, and take care of the grandnephews and grandnieces. A year ago, Kul cut his left big toe on a large rock. Due to his diabetic condition, he has poor circulation and the wound on his toe never healed. As a result, Kul developed a chronic infection that has the potential to spread to his leg. Kul visited a local health center for help, and they referred him to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC). Upon review, surgeons at CSC determined that Kul's left foot will need to be amputated. On April 4th, Kul will undergo this procedure at CSC, which will address his infection, protect his leg, and help ensure he will not need to undergo any major amputations in the future. CSC is requesting $446 for the cost of this surgery and post-operative care. Kul was able to gather $100 to contribute to his care as well. Kul shared, "It is difficult to lose my foot, but I want to be free of the infection and walk without pain again."

Faith is a 12-year-old student from Kenya. Her father is a farmer, while her mother works hard to raise their family and care for their home. Faith is the only girl and the second-oldest in her family of four. She is in fourth grade and likes reading and playing with friends. She has a big heart and hopes to one day become a surgeon to help children who are neglected because of their medical conditions. Faith has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition where the foot is twisted out of shape. This condition makes it difficult for Faith to walk or to even wear shoes. Fortunately, Faith and her mother traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons are scheduled to perform clubfoot repair surgery on June 16th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,286 to fund Faith's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she should be able to put on shoes and walk well at home and school. Her self-esteem also will improve, and she'll be able to continue with her studies and hopefully achieve her dream career of becoming a surgeon. Faith's mother said, “I hope to see my daughter walking normally like other children. That’s why I am requesting support to facilitate her surgery."

Audrey is a three-year-old toddler from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three older siblings in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, and has fun playing dress up and going to church with her family. Audrey has Down Syndrome and a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. This entails a hole in the wall of her heart that separates the two lower chambers. Audrey is traveling to receive treatment at our medical partner's care center, Hospital CEDIMAT, in the Dominican Republic. On February 22nd, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which doctors will sew a patch over the hole in her heart. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, is also contributing $5,000 to help pay for her surgery. Audrey's family needs help funding her pre and post operation costs. The $1,500 bill will cover her labs, medications, checkups, and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment for the social workers from Haiti Cardiac Alliance who will accompany Audrey's family as they travel overseas where she can finally access the surgery she needs. Audrey's mother says, "Our family would like to say thank you to everyone who is helping to heal our daughter."