Elias is a happy and active child from Tanzania. He has not started school yet. He loves playing with other kids. Elias lives with his parents and his older brothers and sisters. The family lives in a rented house in eastern zone of Tanzania. Since birth, Elias has had an inguinal hernia. The hernia causes him pain and discomfort and may lead to tissue damage. Fortunately, on April 11, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $539 to fund Elias's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably. “I am hoping that Elias will receive treatment and will grow well. God bless you all. I will never be able to repay this kindness,” Elias’s father says.

Say is an 18-month-old baby girl from Burma. She lives with her parents, her paternal grandparents, and her uncle. Say likes to play with any toys she can get. When she was seven months old, Say's parents noticed that she was experiencing troubling symptoms. After bringing her to multiple clinics, Say was diagnosed with a vaginal tumor. Due to her condition, Say experiences discharge and difficulty passing urine. She also suffers from intermittent fevers. Say sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on April 20. She is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of her procedure and care. "I wish that my daughter will grow up well," says Say's mother. "I would be very happy if she could become doctor."

Hol is a rice farmer from Cambodia. He has three sons, three daughters, and twenty grandchildren. He enjoys going to the local pagoda and praying with the monks. One year ago, Hol developed a cataract in each eye, causing him blurred vision and tearing. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Hol learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On March 14, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $398 procedure. He says, "When I can see clearly again, I want to go my local pagoda."

Paul is a farmer from Kenya. He is married and a father of seven. Paul plants cassava and millet for both commercial purpose and family use. Earlier this month, Paul sustained several injuries. Now, he is not able to walk and is in a lot of pain. He has been diagnosed with a bilateral tibia fracture. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 12, Paul will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk easily again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $968 to fund this procedure.

Bo is a four-month-old baby boy from Burma. He lives with his family in a village in Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State. Bo was recently diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which has caused fluid to build up in his brain. Without immediate surgery to alleviate the intracranial pressure that the excess fluid is causing, he is at risk of developing severe, potentially fatal medical complications. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for Bo, which will drain the fluid that has accumulated in his brain. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 17, and, once completed, will greatly improve Bo's quality of life. His mother says, "As parents, we are very worried about Bo's condition. We understand that he will probably have continued mobility problems in the future, but we are anxious to prevent any further complications."

Kea Hong is an administrative assistant from Cambodia. She has ten siblings and enjoys spending time with her friends. Three years ago, Kea Hong had an ear infection. This infection caused a cholesteatoma, or an abnormal skin growth, to develop in the middle ear behind the ear drum. For this reason, Kea Hong experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear discharge. She's worried about her hearing getting worse and it's difficult to listen at work. Kea Hong traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On December 13, she will undergo a mastoidectomy procedure in her left ear. During this procedure, ENT surgeons will remove the cholesteatoma. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $842 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Her aunt says, "I hope my niece can heal her infection and stop the problem from getting worse."

Dany is a 14-month-old baby boy from the rural highlands of Guatemala. Dany's mother takes care of household chores, and his father supports the family as a day laborer. Dany is experiencing symptoms of malnutrition, a dangerous condition that results from consuming too few calories and nutrients. In the short term, this means that Dany has little energy to grow, and he also gets sick more often than other children. The long-term consequences of malnutrition include increased risk of chronic diseases and delayed development. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is asking for $492 to fund treatment for Dany. On June 22, Dany will begin routine growth monitoring and nutrient supplementation. Local health workers will also teach Dany’s mother about nutrition. These interventions will ensure Dany grows up strong and healthy. Dany’s mother says, “Thank you for entering me into the program, for it will be of great benefit, both with the supplements and with the nutrition classes, which will permit me to gain new knowledge and therefore feed my son better. In the future I hope that he can study and become a professional so that he can have a higher quality of life.”

Elder is a 29-year-old man from Guatemala. He lives with his family in the country's rural highlands. Married with two children, Elder is the main provider for his family's needs. Since he was a little boy, Elder has struggled with his vision, but he was never able to afford a doctor's visit in order to get his eyes checked. A few years ago, he was able to go to a clinic and receive an eye exam and free pair of glasses. This prescription is now out of date, and Elder is in need of a new pair of glasses. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $552 to cover the cost of Elder's new glasses. He is scheduled to receive his new prescription on June 9 at our medical partner's care center, Intituto Panamericano. "I am very happy and grateful since I attended the clinic," Elder says. "After undergoing the exams and procedures I hope that I will receive glasses because it will help me greatly.”