Six-year-old Siya is from India and lives with her parents and three siblings. Her father sells vegetables for a living, while her mother takes care of the home and the children. Two months ago, Siya suffered an electric burn. The wound healed, but it left behind a contracture: scar tissue has tightened and pulled the index finger of her right hand into a bent position. She can no longer straighten it fully. At an age when she should be learning to hold a pencil, draw, write her letters, and play freely, her hand is holding her back. Siya has been advised to undergo surgery to release the contracture. Without it, the scar can tighten further as she grows, and her finger may become permanently stiff. Fortunately, our medical partner, G.S. Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital and Trauma Center, can help. Siya will undergo surgery on October 9th, and she needs help raising $929 to fund her procedure and care. With timely surgery and follow-up care, Siya has a real chance of regaining the movement in her finger, so she can grip a pencil, write, eat, and dress herself. Siya's grandmother shared, “We are grateful that she is receiving this surgery.”

Borey is 21 years old and a factory worker living in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. He lives with his wife, who works in a garment factory, and their two-year-old son. In his free time, he looks after his son and plays volleyball with friends in the village. Five months ago, Borey was in a motor vehicle accident that caused paralysis of his right arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his right side. The brachial plexus is a nerve network that transmits signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injuries to this nerve network can result in loss of function and sensation. He is unable to lift his right arm and experiences stiffness in his fingers, which limits his ability to use his hand and perform daily activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, can help. Borey traveled to our medical partner's care center, Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre, to receive treatment. This is the only center in the whole country where this treatment is available. On April 2nd, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he is expected to regain strength, improve flexibility in his fingers, and be able to use his right arm normally. He can contribute $100, but needs help raising $637 more to fund his procedure and care. Borey said, “I hope that after the surgery, I will be able to lift my right arm again, and the stiffness in my fingers will improve so that I can regain strength and use my hand normally.”

Rodirick is a 61-year-old man from the Philippines. He was the primary provider for his family, but was forced to stop working because his health no longer allowed him to perform his job safely. Without a regular income, his family has relied on his retirement benefits and social pensions to cover their daily expenses while he awaits treatment. Despite his condition, Rodirick stays active by helping with light household chores and taking daily walks to maintain his strength. Access to surgery would give him the opportunity to recover, reduce his family's financial burden, and help him regain his independence. For seven years, Rodirick has dealt with an inguinal hernia. This hernia causes him immense pain that prevents him from moving freely. Fortunately, our medical partner can help him receive the care he needs. On July 24th, Rodirick will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is supporting a portion of the cost of Rodirick's treatment. Our medical partner is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Rodirick said, "The foundation is a great help, especially for people like me who have no job and do not have enough money to pay for medical expenses. I am very thankful for their program, and I hope they can continue helping many more people who are facing the same situation as I am."

Tewodros is an active and sociable two-year-old boy from Ethiopia, who loves watching cartoons and playing football. He has an older sister, and they live in a full household with their parents, aunt, and cousins. Since his father works as a daily laborer and his mother works as a cleaner, he spends most of his day under the care of his aunt. When he was barely a year old, Tewodros's parents noticed he was having difficulty urinating. Worried, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Tewodros was placed on a two-year surgery waiting list, due to the high number of children needing treatment. The alternative would be a private hospital, but Tewodros's parents could not afford the necessary fees. The family was finally referred to BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). They were overjoyed to finally receive the help they needed. Tewodros is now scheduled for surgery on May 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Tewodros's mother says, "I would like to thank BKMCM. I was so worried about my son starting school. We hope the organization continues to grow, and that Tewodros remains healthy."

Roland is a 36-year-old father from the Philippines. He has been living with a fistula for about 15 years. Initially, his symptoms were sporadic and self-resolving. However, flare-ups have become frequent, occurring every two months for the past two years. These episodes cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty sitting, forcing Roland to adjust his daily routine. After Roland traveled to our medical partner's care center, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, surgery was recommended to relieve his symptoms. While this has brought Roland hope, the estimated cost remains beyond his financial capacity, leaving him reliant on antibiotics for temporary relief. Despite his condition, Roland continues to support his family by helping run their small clothing business and taking on electrical work on the side. His condition limits his ability to fully participate in work, leisure activities, and caring for his children. His family strongly believes surgery would restore his quality of life, reduce recurring medical expenses, and ease the financial strain. Fortunately, Roland is scheduled to receive surgery on March 20th at the World Surgical Foundation Philippines. Our medical partner, Our Lady of Peace Hospital, is requesting $1,198 to fund this treatment. Access to surgical treatment would allow Roland to regain comfort, resume normal activities, and provide more stability for his household. Roland shared, "I’m looking forward to playing basketball again without pain and being able to sit comfortably while spending time with my children."

Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.

Joshua is a 12-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents, who are livestock keepers, and is one of five children in the family. Joshua is currently in middle school and is described as a bright and responsible child. He enjoys completing his homework and helping care for animals after school. Joshua dreams of becoming a politician when he grows up. For the last three years, Joshua has experienced limited hand movement, making tasks such as writing, feeding himself, and helping with household chores difficult. His doctors recommend an amputation of Joshua's left hand, which has a burn scar with contractures involving multiple fingers. This will prevent his symptoms from getting worse as he grows. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Joshua's surgery on February 17th. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully help improve his health and quality of life. After recovering, Joshua is looking forward to improved hand function that will enable him to regain independence in daily activities and continue developing his leadership potential without physical barriers. Joshua's father says, “He cannot grip objects well because some fingers are damaged and tight from the scar.”

Phyu is a 35-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband and her daughter in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. She is a teacher, while her husband looks after their daughter at home. In her free time, she plays with her daughter and cleans her house. In early January 2025, she noticed a small mass in her right breast. By October, the mass grew bigger, prompting her to seek medical care. She underwent a biopsy, which revealed she has early-stage breast cancer. Doctors recommend she undergo surgery to remove the mass, which will help prevent the cancer from spreading. Phyu sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on January 20th. She is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. Phyu said, "I am worried and want to receive surgery as soon as possible. I would like to say thank you to donors and BCMF for supporting my treatment cost while I cannot do it by myself."

Lia is a young student from Bolivia. She lives with her mom, who is a homemaker, her dad, who is a truck driver, and her two younger siblings. Lia's mom noticed that her daughter had a constant headache, body aches, and dizziness. She took Lia to the doctor, which led to her being diagnosed with a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Lia's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On December 16th, she will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Lia'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. Lia's mother shared, "I just hope my daughter has good health after the surgery, and stops being sick so often."