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.”

Abebech is a 39-year-old nun from Ethiopia. She has devoted her life to serving others and works tirelessly for her church community by preparing meals, washing clothes, and handling every duty given to her. Abebech is currently suffering from a painful internal growth (myoma) that requires urgent medical care. Because she lives as a nun, she does not have family to lean on during this painful health trial and relies on the hospital and her community of nuns to get the care she needs to heal and continue her spiritual work. For four years, Abebech has been experiencing worrisome symptoms that make it difficult to live her daily life. She has been diagnosed with fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. Abebech needs to undergo a myomectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove the fibroids. Even though she believes that both joy and hardship are natural parts of life's journey, this illness has been truly overwhelming. Dealing with months of heavy bleeding, severe pain, and constant hospital visits—all without an income—leaves her feeling sad and frustrated at times. Fortunately, Abebech is scheduled to undergo a myomectomy on July 30th at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital, is requesting $1,050 to fund her surgery. Abebech shared that she hopes this surgery will allow her to be free from pain so she can return to the peaceful, quiet routine of her daily life.

Yared is a bright and curious seven-year-old boy who lives with his grandparents in Ethiopia. He loves playing with toy cars and spending time with his younger brother. Yared's mother, a single parent, works as a domestic worker in the city to provide for her family. Yared was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. A few years ago, Yared was taken to a referral hospital in Mekele, where his grandparents live, for corrective surgery, but the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war caused major delays, preventing him from receiving timely care. Later on, the cost of surgery became another barrier for Yared's family. One of Yared's family members who works at our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), advised the family to come to the hospital for a review. Yared was reviewed, and his family has been advised that he will need to undergo corrective surgery to treat his condition. Without this intervention, he may continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and could be at risk of future complications. Yared is scheduled to undergo surgery on May 4th at BKMCM. His procedure will cost $1,293, and his family needs your support. Yared’s mother shares, “I’m deeply grateful to the donors and the doctors for their help. My only wish is that my child will grow up healthy and happy just like other children.”

Miliya is a 15-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the fourth born in a family of eight children raised by hardworking parents who depend on seasonal harvests to sustain the household. About six years ago, Miliya's leg started bowing inwards, which slowly developed into a significant misalignment of both legs. Over time, this has made walking long distances painful and tiring. 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. Daily activities such as helping at home, fetching water, and moving around the village have became increasingly difficult for her. Despite these challenges, Miliya completed her primary education up to Standard 7. However, her mobility limitations and family financial constraints prevented her from continuing on to secondary school. She dreams of regaining independence so she can continue her education and participate fully in community life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Miliya. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 5th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Miliya's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Miliya says, “I would like to walk without pain, and continue my studies like other girls my age.”

Nwet is 41 years old and a mother of three from Burma. She and her husband live in a refugee village in Phop Phra District, Tak Province, Thailand. They moved from Burma to Thailand in 2020 in search of better job opportunities. Nwet's daughter and two sons are studying in Burma and live with her mother-in-law. She and her husband are agricultural workers. Since January 2023, Nwet has been experiencing troubling symptoms, including swelling on her left neck. She was diagnosed with thyroid goiter. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Nwet receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on February 17th. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,500, and she and her family need help raising money. Nwet said, “Thank you so much to BCMF and the donors for helping me with my treatment cost.” Her husband added, “I am really grateful that my wife will receive support for her surgery costs. By ourselves, we cannot afford this. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”

Patrocenio is a 63-year-old man from the Philippines. Two years ago, Patrocenio consulted a doctor about persistent abdominal pain. At times, the pain was so severe that he could not walk or perform simple daily chores. The attacks came without warning, leaving him uncertain about when the next episode would occur. After examination, the doctor explained that Patrocenio had gallstones and advised that they be removed through surgery. Patrocenio tried to seek help from different hospitals, but has not been able to undergo the surgery he needed. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, can help. On January 29th, Patrocenio will undergo gallbladder removal surgery to address his symptoms and allow him to live more comfortably. He needs help to raise $1,325 to fund his procedure and care. Patrocenio shared, "Work had always been on my mind ever since my condition became worse. I want to move normally as I did before - working, doing house chores, and going out more to enjoy even the simplest of things."

Faith is a 15-year-old 5th grader from Kitui County in Kenya, the firstborn in a family of two children. Her mother, who is a single parent, works as a hawker, selling shoes to support the family. Despite challenges, Faith and her mother have always remained hopeful. Faith loves plaiting and braiding hair, and she dreams of one day being able to stand and walk like other children. Faith was born with diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) and clubfoot (CTEV), conditions that have limited her mobility since childhood. She cannot stand on her own and uses a wheelchair to move around. Faith was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital by her grandmother. At the moment, she is undergoing serial casting in preparation for club foot surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Faith receive treatment. On December 9th, she is scheduled to undergo repair surgery, providing her the opportunity to stand, walk on her own and gain independence. Now, Faith's family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure. Faith's grandmother says: “My prayer is to see Faith stand and walk like other children, and to continue with her education without any challenges."

Lewis is an energetic boy from Tanzania. He is living under the loving care of his grandmother and aunt. When he was just two years old, his mother passed away, leaving him in the hands of the two women who now pour all their love and strength into raising him. Despite the challenges he faces, Lewis has a joyful spirit that stands out wherever he goes. He loves spending his afternoons playing football with the neighborhood children. His dream is to one day become like Pacome, a player on the famous YANGA Football Club, strong, skilled, and admired. Each time Lewis kicks a ball, he imagines himself scoring a goal in a packed stadium. However, Lewis was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. At his age, when most children are active and carefree, Lewis often becomes frustrated because his legs can’t keep up with his dreams. His grandmother has watched him fall behind physically, and her biggest wish is to see him run freely like any other child his age. Life at home is humble. Lewis and his grandmother spend much of their time tending to a small green garden behind their house, one of the few sources of food and income the family relies on. Even in the garden, Lewis tries to help, carrying small watering cans or chasing birds away from the crops. Fortunately, Lewis's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on November 27th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to fund Lewis's clubfoot repair. After treatment and with the proper intervention, he will finally be able to stand, walk, and run without pain. Lewis's aunt says, "I hope Lewis's leg will be okay, so that he can enjoy his childhood."