Thiago is a five-year-old boy from Colombia. He lives in Yarumal, Antioquia, with his family. He is intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly. His joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where he interacts with his classmates with enthusiasm and warmth. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming a great doctor to help those in need. Since birth, Thiago has had an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. Surgery has been recommended to correct the hernia and prevent possible future complications. Umbilical hernias cause mild discomfort or tenderness around the navel, especially when crying, coughing, or straining. It often causes discomfort that prevents Thiago from carrying out daily activities such as playing, jumping, and enjoying his childhood. It can, in many cases, lead to tenderness in the area and an increased risk of complications if left untreated. Fortunately, on July 28th, Thiago will undergo hernia repair surgery, and our medical partner, Clinica Noel, is requesting $1,005 to fund Thiago's surgery. Once completed, this procedure should allow him to live more comfortably. Thiago's mother said, "As Thiago’s mother, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity. The support you’re providing for my son’s surgery means so much more than just financial assistance; it gives us hope again and makes us feel that we’re not alone during this difficult time. We’ve been waiting a long time for this treatment, as we’re confident it will improve his quality of life, prevent complications, and allow him to go about his daily activities just like any other child his age."

Benson is an 11-year-old boy from Kenya. His mother shared that she first noticed a problem with his foot when he was almost two years old. At the time, she hoped he would eventually outgrow it and begin walking better, but the condition persisted. Determined to find help for her son, she took Benson to hospital. Benson has Equinus deformity, a condition in which the upward bending motion of the ankle joint (dorsiflexion) is limited. This causes him to walk on his toes instead of placing his entire foot on the ground. The condition developed as a result of cerebral palsy, a condition he was born with. Over the last few years, Benson has attended physiotherapy sessions, surgery and has been fitted with corrective splints to realign his foot, but each time, the procedures did not achieve the expected results. His mother got increasingly worried about his health and future, until a friend informed her about specialized care at our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital. Benson is presently admitted at AIC CURE Hospital in preparation of his corrective surgery. The procedure represents a significant opportunity to improve his quality of life, as his condition has limited many of the activities and opportunities he would otherwise enjoy. He often experiences pain in his leg, especially during cold weather, making it difficult for him to walk comfortably. Benson's surgery has been scheduled for June 11th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 for the treatment that will provide Benson greater mobility, reduced pain, and the chance to pursue his dreams with renewed confidence and independence. He says: "I am looking forward to a quick healing so that I can continue with my regular life."

Darian is a five-year-old student who lives in Columbia with his family. He is an intelligent, charismatic, and very friendly boy. His joy and curiosity shine through every day at preschool, where he interacts with his classmates with enthusiasm and warmth. Two years ago, Darian developed an umbilical hernia, a condition in which a small portion of abdominal tissue protrudes through the navel. He has been experiencing discomfort especially when doing everyday activities like playing, jumping, and enjoying his childhood. Darian was assessed by our medical partner, Clínica Noel, and has been scheduled to undergo surgery on May 19th. Now, his family needs help to fund this $1,005 procedure. Darian looks forward to feeling better so he can practice on being a soccer player! His mother says, "As a mother, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity given to my son. The support we have received throughout this process will be essential to his well-being and development, and it represents an invaluable source of hope for our future as a family."

Win Swe is a 25-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his uncle, cousin, and aunt in a refugee camp in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. His parents live in Burma, but since 2013, Win Swe has been staying with his uncle’s family for better educational opportunities. In the refugee camp, Win Swe’s aunt works as a member of the camp committee, while his uncle works as an agricultural day labourer outside of the camp. His uncle usually can only find work for about 5-8 days each month. His cousin is a medic who serves at the clinic in the camp. Previously, Win Swe used to work as a day labourer with his uncle, but due to his health condition, he cannot work anymore. They can access free basic health care inside the camp. When Win Swe was 18 years old, he started to feel tired while walking or carrying objects heavier than 20 kilograms, so he stopped going to school as he could not walk long distances. He went to the local clinic in the refugee camp, and the doctor suspected heart disease and presented his condition to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC referred him to a hospital for testing. He was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. Yet, since he was 18, he was told that he was too old to receive support from the IRC for a congenital heart condition, so he did not seek further treatment. In July 2024, Win Swe underwent an ECHO recommended by the doctor. Afterwards, the doctor diagnosed Win Swe with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and told him that he would need surgery to repair the hole in his heart before it got any worse. Currently, Win Swe experiences fatigue, heart palpitations, rapid breathing, and sometimes chest pain after walking for even a few minutes. His symptoms have prevented him from working, leaving him feeling stressed and ashamed of having to depend on his uncle. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. On April 10th, Win Swe will undergo heart surgery so he can live more comfortably and be able to work. He needs help raising $1,500 to fund the cost of his treatment and care. Win Swe says, "Thank you to your organization for helping me and finding the donors for me. There is no way for me to receive treatment without your support.”

Musa is a jovial and sociable 14-year-old boy from Narok County in Kenya. He is the last born in a family of seven, and is currently a Grade 7 student. His mother is a home maker, while his father works as a small-scale farmer to provide for their family. Like many boys his age, Musa enjoys being active, but his biggest dream is to become an athlete in the future. However, Musa’s journey has not been easy. He was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition where the feet are twisted out of shape, which makes walking and running difficult. Because of this condition, Musa has often struggled with mobility, which has limited his ability to run and participate in sports like other children. Despite these challenges, Musa has not given up on his dreams. Musa is not new to our medical partner's care center, AIC CURE Hospital. He previously underwent surgery on his right foot, which is now corrected, greatly improving his mobility. Musa now needs corrective surgery on his left foot. Although resources are limited, Musa’s parents remain hopeful and supportive as their son continues his treatment journey. Musa was admitted to the hospital, and is currently undergoing serial casting in preparation for surgery on his left foot. Musa is scheduled for clubfoot repair surgery on March 11th at AIC CURE Hopsital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund Musa's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to stand upright, walk comfortably, run freely, and continue with his studies without hindrance. Most importantly, it will bring him closer to chasing his dream of becoming an athlete and, perhaps one day, representing Kenya in international athletic events. Musa says: “I really looking forward to standing upright, walking well, and achieving my dream of becoming an athlete in the future."

Kwardun is a three-year-old boy. He is the second oldest in his family and lives in a household where access to specialized healthcare is limited. Kwardun’s mother is responsible for caring for the children while managing household duties. His father financially provides for their family. Kwardun is an energetic and social child who enjoys playing with other kids in the community. However, his clubfoot has affected his ability to walk properly. As he grows older, the deformity has begun to limit his mobility, causing him to tire quickly and struggle to keep up with his peers during play. Without treatment, this condition could worsen and significantly affect his independence and future participation in school. Kwardun was diagnosed with bilateral clubfoot. 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. Fortunately, Kwardun's family traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Surgeons will begin clubfoot treatment on February 10th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,171 to fund Kwardun's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he has a strong chance of improved mobility and a more active childhood. Kwardun's father says, “He wants to run and play like the other children, but his foot makes him walk slowly and fall often.”

Recho is a 26-year-old woman from Kenya. She has a long history of epilepsy, diagnosed when she was much younger. Her condition disrupted her education and ability to work despite early academic promise and later vocational training in tailoring. She lives with her single mother and younger siblings, who are deeply supportive and assist her with daily activities and hospital visits. She enjoys helping with household tasks such as washing utensils and clothes, and she often speaks with humor and optimism about her daily life. In December 2025, Recho suffered a seizure while carrying hot tea to her siblings, resulting in serious burns to her chest and hand and a prolonged hospital stay requiring ongoing wound care and a planned skin graft. The extended treatment has placed a heavy financial burden on her family, prompting a request for assistance with medical expenses. Fortunately, on January 7th, Recho will undergo a skin graft procedure with the help of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. She needs help to raise $1,183 to fund her procedure and care. Recho says, "I have been in the ward for a long time, and my hope is go home and be with my family members. I miss my sisters and my family."

Ellen is a 50-year-old nurse from Malawi. She is a single mother of two boys aged 22 and 16. Each month, she earns about $420, which covers household needs and her children’s school fees. For about 21 months now, Ellen has been experiencing abdominal pain accompanied by uncomfortable gynecological symptoms. Since August 2024, she has undergone numerous tests, which were costly and strained her finances. She has been diagnosed with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade III (CIN III), the most severe form of precancerous cervical cell changes. If left untreated, it can progress to invasive cervical cancer. Removing the affected tissue prevents this progression. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Ellen's surgery. On December 10th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Ellen will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain, and prevent future medical complications. Ellen says, “With your support to undergo surgery, I know I will get better, continue caring for my children as their breadwinner, and keep serving the nation as a health worker.”

U Shwe is a 64-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, son, two daughters, and two grandchildren in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. He and his wife are retired, and his daughters and grandchildren are students. His son works as a freelance Burmese-Thai translator, and another daughter works at a dormitory, and sends money to support the family when she can. In early February 2025, U Shwe had a pain in two of his teeth. He had tehm extracted, which which seemed to solve the problem. However, when he went for a check-up for his diabetes in May, the medic conducted an oral exam and noticed that white spots that resembled a tumor were found in his gums. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, Mae Sot Hospital, for specialized care. Currently, U Shwe is experiencing severe pain inside and outside his mouth. Due to the pain, he can only eat soup and soft foods, and has difficulty sleeping. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. On October 6th, U Shwe will undergo a tumor removal surgery. He needs help to raise $1,500 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. U Shwe said, “I hope that after my surgery I will feel better when eating and sleeping that I can eat and sleep with my family again.”