"For quite some time, Landia used to feel a little pain in her eye, most of the time itching until it became larger," our medical partner, Project Medishare, tells us about the 11-year-old girl from Haiti. With the onset of pain, Landia's parents immediately took her to the hospital where a lab test was performed. It was not until a group of doctors from the U.S. arrived, though, that Landia's family was informed that she has a medulloepithelioma tumor of the eye. Medulloepitheliomas of the eye typically occur within the first decade of one's life. For Landia, she was able to receive surgery to remove the tumor and her eye, and went through six cycles of chemotherapy. "Now she needs radiotherapy to eradicate the cancer for a complete cure," Project Medishare tells us. $1,500 will cover the cost of transportation, international travel preparation, and the radiation therapy for Landia. Danita's Children has donated $2,500 to help cover additional treatment costs. As the costs and logistical issues for her family became greater, Landia was sent to live at the local orphanage. After receiving radiation therapy, she will be able to return home to live with her family. Landia is expected to have a complete cure, and will be able to go back to school. "She will have to learn how to read and study with one eye, but this is doable for a young girl," Project Medishare tells us.

10-month-old Maurine is the only child of a single parent, and together they live in Tanzania. They rely on Maurine's grandmother to care for them. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares, "Maurine is an active baby. She eats well and she is able to sit. She likes to play with soft toys." Maurine was born without complications at birth; however, "her mother noticed some changes when Maurine turned three months," explains AMHF. Maurine has hydrocephalus, or an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. "Maurine’s head has been slowly increasing since March this year,” AMHF continues. “Her mother is worried that the size of her daughter’s head may continue to grow to the point where she won’t be able to sit anymore." $775 will cover Maurine's treatment that includes surgery, hospital stay and post-surgery accommodations. After surgery, "Maurine’s head will not continue to increase in size and Maurine will be out of the risk of losing her vision and balance." "I just need my baby to get well so that we can go back home," Maurine's mother shares. "I will look for a job so that I can help my mother, and better care for my daughter. I want my daughter to go to school and live a better life when she grows up."

Meet Purity, a one-month-old baby girl from Kenya. Purity lives with her parents, who run a small shop in the local area to support the family. “When Purity was born, one the first things her parents were notified of was that their daughter’s head was larger than the average of a newborn,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “After further investigation, the doctor confirmed Purity has hydrocephalus.” Hydrocephalus is a condition in which an excess of cerebrospinal fluid builds up, creating heavily pressurized areas in the brain. As Purity grows and develops throughout her childhood, this condition could pose serious health complications, including vision loss and limited physical mobility. For $980, Purity will receive surgery in which a shunt will be placed in her head to reroute the cerebrospinal fluid to the abdomen, where it can be more easily absorbed. “Purity’s surgical care will reduce the increased intracranial pressure in the brain which could be fatal,” says AMHF. “She will have a chance of leading a quality life.” “Before Purity got sick, I did not know about hydrocephalus,” shares Purity’s father. “To be told of all the risks that our daughter is at because of this, shocks and saddens us. It was a great relief to hear from the doctor that hydrocephalus can be managed.”

Jao is a lively 11-month-old baby from the Philippines who "loves to smile at the people around him," shares our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). “When Jao was born, it was found that he did not pass stool at all," ICM shares. Jao was born with an imperforate anus, and one day after birth, Jao received a colostomy as a temporary solution. Jao’s parents tell ICM, “We have given up farming and started to do weaving so that we can stay at home and take care of Jao.” However, their combined earnings of $55 a month from bag weaving is not enough to support the family’s daily needs, much less the colostomy bags Jao requires. $965 will fund corrective surgery to create an anal opening for Jao. ICM expects that after a few months, Jao will be able to have his colostomy closed and, “With this, he is one step closer to becoming a normal child with lots of things to look forward to as he grows." Jao’s parents share, “We would really love to see him well just like any other kid."

14-month-old Abel "lives with his mother and great grandmother. He feeds well, loves playing and recognizes his name well," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "His mother dropped out of school two years ago when she got pregnant and is still under the care of her aged grandmother." Abel was born without an anal opening. "He is not able to pass stool normally," AMHF shares. "Abel is susceptible to infections and blockage." "Abel’s great grandmother does subsistence farming while his mother runs a vegetable business, and hopes to sell enough every day to provide for her son," AMHF continues. "Her business however is not very stable, and often incurs loses because her products are perishable. Abel’s father who is a student, is not able to support them and is not willing to be associated with them. Abel's mother hopes to go back to school once her son is treated." $1,260 will fund the 2-stage surgery Abel needs to allow him to pass stool normally again. Surgery will prevent infection and blockage, and allow him to have a fully functional anal opening. "I hope I can get help for Abel's treatment, and get back to school once he’s well," his mother shares.

“Justin is the youngest of four children. He likes to play with toy balls and little cars," our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) tells us. Justin is one-year-old and lives with his family in Guatemala. “Justin is battling malnutrition due to limited food supply and constant diarrhea and vomiting,” reports WK. “During one particularly bad episode, his mother took Justin to the health center, where she was told that her son was malnourished. However, the health center offered zero counseling and medication to assist.” If acute malnutrition goes uncorrected, Justin will suffer developmental setbacks. His health will flag as his immune system deteriorates, subjecting him to chronic illnesses. He will have difficulty keeping up in school and will fall behind his peers mentally and physically. Justin’s father is unable to work, so his mother is the breadwinner of the family. She often works in the field days at a time to provide for the family. With the strain of supporting four children, it is difficult for her to supply the resources for them all and supply Justin with the extra food and medication to address his malnutrition. She shares, “I am so glad you are here, because I have heard about you and I know that with your help Justin will be able to grow and reach his full potential.” $535 can provide the treatment Justin needs to get his health back on track. This money will provide Justin with macronutrient support to recoup the height and weight he has lost. Medication will help stop the episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, and in time his immune system will become strong enough to ensure he does not continue to get ill. To ensure that Justin and his siblings maintain their health long-term, Justin’s mother will receive nutritional education. “This treatment will give Justin’s mother the education and support she needs to help Justin avoid the permanent effects of malnutrition,” explains WK. “She will feel confident in her care decisions and be able to offer Justin and his siblings higher quality food options via differences in preparation, not cost.” Let’s help Justin and his family take the necessary steps to gain long-term health!

Meet Elvis, a 2-month-old baby boy from Kenya. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Elvis lives with his parents and three siblings in a grass-thatched mud-walled house.” Since birth, Elvis has faced health challenges due to congenital hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain. This fluid causes an increase in intracranial pressure, which can contribute to long-term health complications and interfere with important stages of childhood development. According to AMHF, without surgical intervention, Elvis' condition “may cause permanent brain damage, which could cause convulsions and visual impairment.” Elvis’ mother used to sell vegetables to earn an income, but now stays at home to take care of Elvis. His father “does any manual job that comes along on a casual basis” in hopes of being able to support the family. Despite their efforts, AMHF shares, “Most of the family income is spent taking care of Elvis, but it is not sufficient to cater for Elvis’ surgical care.” With $980, Elvis will undergo surgery to drain the excess CSF from his brain, reducing the intracranial pressure in his head. As part of his treatment, Elvis will receive five days of hospital care in addition to all of the necessary medical examinations—including ultrasounds and CT scans—to facilitate a successful operation and recovery. AMHF shares, “Elvis’ surgery will help reduce the excessive pressure in the brain and prevent visual impairment.” After surgery, Elvis will be able to resume normal childhood growth and development, paving the way for a healthier future. “I came here with faith because although I have no funds, I could no longer stand to see Elvis suffer. I am hoping that we will get help and he can be treated,” Elvis’ mother expresses.

Jecinta is just two weeks old! Born in Kenya, Jecinta is the youngest of four siblings. "Her family lives in a two-room house in Central Kenya," says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Jecinta's father hawks boiled maize while her mother sells vegetables. Their daily average income is $3. Jecinta's parents own no land and have no other source of income." Jecinta was born with spina bifida, a cystic mass swelling on her lower back. "Jecinta is at a risk of developing infections in the exposed nerves and tissues and/or tethered cord syndrome that can lead to either scoliosis or kyphosis," says AMHF. "She is also at a risk of losing muscle function on the lower limbs if not treated." With their limited income, Jecinta's parents are unable to afford the $805 spina bifida closure that Jecinta needs. This procedure is vital in preventing future complications and infections from spina bifida. It will fully resolve Jecinta's current discomfort and ensure she grows and develops normally. Let's help this newborn baby girl and her family, and fund this life-changing surgery!

“When my feet are straight, I will join a tailoring class and start a business of my own later on,” says Imakulata. Meet Imakulata, a 14-year-old girl from Tanzania. Imakulata is the second born child in a family of three. Imakulata has never been to school “due to the fact that her peers used to laugh at the way she walks,” explains our medical partner at African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Imakulata has unilateral clubfoot. Instead of going to school, she stays at home and helps her parents with everyday chores such as cleaning the house, washing the dishes, and cooking. “Imakulata’s gait has been affected due to the fact that she has to use the lateral aspect of her right foot for walking,” AMHF tells us. “She is at high risk of developing osteoarthritis at a young age if remains untreated.” Imakulata’s father spends most of his earned income on alcohol, which makes Imakulata’s mother the sole provider for the family’s financial needs. Imakulata’s mother works at a market selling fresh fruits and vegetables, but the income she earns can barely cover the basic needs of the family, let alone Imakulata’s medical treatment costs. For $1,160 we can help Imakulata access the healthcare she needs. Let’s help Imakulata receive a life-changing surgery and get her into the classroom.

Say hi to Teresia, a 40-year-old wife and mother of two living in Kenya. In September of 2014, Teresia started experiencing irregular and severe bleeding and lower abdominal pain, which is now getting worse. After visiting many hospitals without receiving much help, she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus). "If not treated, Teresia will continue to bleed and may suffer anaemia... the fibroids will continue to grow which will affect surrounding body organs," shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Teresia needs a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy which will relieve her from pain, bleeding and the risk of anemia. Unfortunately, her family's financial situation is grim; her husband can no longer work as he is under medical care following a road traffic accident. Teresia sells green groceries, but the income is not enough to meet the family's basic needs and pay for her important surgery. "I have always wanted to expand my small business and hope I will get assistance so that I can be well and achieve that. My family is depending on my strength, so I really need it back,'' says Teresia. For $790, we can help Teresia obtain the treatment she needs for a full recovery. Let's help her regain her health so she can expand her business and support her family!

Meet Hussein, a four-year-old boy from Somalia. Edna Adan Hospital (EAD), our medical partner in Somaliland, shares that, “Hussein sustained severe burns to both of his arms when he fell onto burning charcoal, which is used in traditional household kitchens on the floor for cooking. He now has decreased use of both arms due to burn contractures.” For $1165, we can fund a procedure to release the contractures on Hussein’s right side--a procedure that has already been completed on his left side. “Hussein’s mother is hopeful that he will have restored mobility in his wrist and hands and be able to continue his life as normally as possible.” Let’s help Hussein get back on track!

"Josefa heard about our arthritis clinic from some others who were successfully treated there (and funded by Watsi)," Wuqu' Kawoq (WK) tells us about this 38-year-old woman, loving mother, and only parent to her children from Guatemala. "She hopes that we can help her as well, so that she can 'live in stability in my home and help my children become who they are supposed to be.' " Josefa has had rheumatoid arthritis for the last seven years, with severe joint pain in her hands and feet. "She has never sought help from a doctor for this because she has very limited funds," WK says. "She has trouble walking and most mornings, when she [is] particularly stiff, she can't prepare breakfast or help her children get ready for school." The WK team is on the case and optimistic. "With aggressive medical treatment, we expect that Josefa's pain and joint stiffness/swelling will resolve, and that she will be able to work, walk and care for her children better than she has been able to in the last seven years," they write. Josefa's hope is in the right place. WK can help -- so let's fund the $425 it will cost to do so.