Michael is a day laborer from Kenya. He is the only child to his single mother. He works as a mechanic. On January 20, Michael was involved in a motorbike accident. He sustained a closed fracture of his left clavicle bone and bruises on his face. He is in pain and is not able to use his left hand easily. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 28, Michael will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $998 to fund this procedure. “I am still young and was hoping to have my own family soon. I kindly seek for help so that I can get back to my work and plan to have my own family,” says Michael.

Linn Thu is a 18-year-old boy from Burma. He lives with his grandparents, parents, and two younger brothers. In his free time, Linn Thu likes to visit his friends and listen to music. Linn Thu was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of the mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, Linn Thu feels tired and experiences chest pain. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Linn Thu. The treatment is scheduled to take place on February 22 and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. “I would like to get a good job to earn a living after I recover,” says Linn Thu.

Sy is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He lives with his grandmother. He likes to play football and watch TV in his free time. Nine months ago, he was in a motor vehicle accident that caused paralysis of his left arm. He has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury on his left 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 use his arm below his elbow and he cannot work. Sy traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On December 11, he will undergo a brachial plexus repair surgery. After recovery, he will be able to use his arm again. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $637 to fund this procedure. He says, "After the operation I hope I can use my arm and hand normally and I can return to work."

Firomsa is a toddler from Ethiopia. He loves to play and laugh with toys. His parents are traditional farmers. Firomsa was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Firomsa is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on November 29. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Firomsa's procedure and care. After his recovery, Firomsa will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. His mother says, “We wanted to pay for his care but we are not able to do it.”