Sovannareach is a six-year-old first-grade student from Prey Veng Province in Cambodia. He lives with his grandmother, who is a rice farmer, while his mother works as a factory worker to support him. His parents divorced five years ago, and he has remained close to his family. Sovannareach enjoys reading and writing Khmer, and he hopes to become a doctor when he grows up. In his free time, he likes playing football with his friends in the village. His favorite meals are lemongrass sour soup and eggs. Sovannareach was born with scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side, often resembling a “C” or “S” shape. As he has grown, his spinal curve has gradually worsened, bending toward the right side. The condition causes him pain and makes it difficult for him to sit comfortably for long periods. As a result, he sometimes struggles to concentrate in class and worries about being teased by his classmates because of his appearance. He also has difficulty walking, which affects his daily activities. In the past, Sovannareach had never received hospital treatment because his family could not afford it. However, a relative told his family about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC). They traveled approximately four hours to CSC for a consultation and to seek specialized care. On August 11th, surgeons at CSC plan to implant a metal “growing rod” into his spine to help control the curvature while allowing his spine to continue growing. CSC is requesting $1,500 to cover the costs of his surgery, the implant, and post-operative care, including physiotherapy. Sovannareach's grandmother said, “I hope this treatment will help control my grandson’s spinal curvature as he grows and keep his spine stable. I want him to continue walking, playing, going to school, and enjoying his childhood without his condition limiting his daily life.”

Yesak is a joyful two-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He is known for his bright smile, active nature, and love for playing with his friends. He enjoys playing football and riding his bicycle. As the first child of his parents, he is curious, intelligent, and quick to remember new things. He loves exploring his surroundings, spending time with other children, and learning through play. Yisak lives with his parents in a rented house. His father works in the insurance sector, while his mother works as a messenger. Yesak was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Yesak's parents first discovered his condition when they took him for circumcision. During the visit, the doctor explained the condition to them. The news left the family worried and frustrated, but the doctor reassured them that the condition was treatable and advised them not to lose hope. The doctor referred Yisak to a higher-level hospital for specialized treatment when he became older. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. Fortunately, Yesak is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on June 26th, and our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Yisak's father said, "Thank you very much. We were warmly welcomed and treated with kindness by the staff. The services provided were professional and exceeded our expectations. We are grateful for the care and support given to Yisak and hopeful for a positive outcome for his condition."

Tewodros is an active and sociable two-year-old boy from Ethiopia, who loves watching cartoons and playing football. He has an older sister, and they live in a full household with their parents, aunt, and cousins. Since his father works as a daily laborer and his mother works as a cleaner, he spends most of his day under the care of his aunt. When he was barely a year old, Tewodros's parents noticed he was having difficulty urinating. Worried, they took him to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Tewodros was placed on a two-year surgery waiting list, due to the high number of children needing treatment. The alternative would be a private hospital, but Tewodros's parents could not afford the necessary fees. The family was finally referred to BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). They were overjoyed to finally receive the help they needed. Tewodros is now scheduled for surgery on May 19th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Tewodros's mother says, "I would like to thank BKMCM. I was so worried about my son starting school. We hope the organization continues to grow, and that Tewodros remains healthy."

Bisrat is a three-year-old charming and playful boy who lives in Ethiopia with his parents and grandmother. He is very attached to his father, and has a strong interest in anything technical. He also loves spending time with his cousins and playing football. He enjoys wearing sportswear and dreams of becoming a footballer one day. Bisrat's mother is a home maker, who has paused her business selling traditional food and drink due to health issues. His father was a taxi driver, but was laid off when the owner of the taxi decided to sell the vehicle. Due to these challenges, the family moved in with Bisrat's grandmother. Recently, Bisrat fell ill, and was having difficulty urinating. Concerned, his mother took him to a nearby hospital, where an ultrasound was performed. Bisrat was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Bisrat has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Doctors at the hospital explained that Bisrat would need surgery, which distressed Bisrat's mother because she knew her family would not be able to afford it. The family was then referred to our partner's medical care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM), and were also assisted with transportation costs. The family travelled four days to reach BKMCM, where they were warmly received. Bisrat's diagnosis was confirmed, and he has been scheduled for corrective surgery on April 20th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $754 to cover the total cost of Bisrat's procedure and care. Bisrat's mother shared, "The doctor clarified everything I asked. I am very happy and grateful for all the support. Thank you so much.” Bisrat’s father shared, "I'm so happy for your service. Thank you, BethanyKids, for providing my family this opportunity.”

Ketmada is a 17-year-old student from Haiti. She lives with her parents and three older siblings in a mountainous village in central Haiti. Her father is a school custodian, and her mother is a homemaker. She likes cosmetics and beauty care and would like to be a professional cosmetician one day. Ketmada has been diagnosed with a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral regurgitation. One of the valves in her heart does not open and close properly due to an infection she suffered earlier in childhood, and as a result, her heart cannot adequately circulate blood through her body. Ketmada needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On March 24th, Ketmada will undergo surgery, during which surgeons will attempt to repair the valve so that it functions more normally. If her valve cannot be repaired, the surgeons will instead remove it and implant an artificial replacement. While another organization, Mitral Foundation, is funding Ketmada's surgery, her family will also need help to fund the costs of her surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. That amount will also support securing travel documents for her family and paying travel costs for the social workers who will accompany Ketmada's family overseas. Ketmada says joyfully, "I am very excited to have this surgery so that I can stop worrying so much about my heart!"

Alan is a nine-year-old boy from Colombia. He dreams of becoming a police officer to help people. He is a curious child who performs well academically. However, constant pain and oral discomfort have affected his concentration, attendance, and participation in school activities. About a year ago, he was examined for the first time by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed multiple deep cavities. Since then, he has been under observation, but the progression of the disease has been associated with intense and persistent pain, inflammation, infection, and difficulty eating and sleeping. On January 21st, Alan will undergo dental surgery under general anesthesia with the help of our medical partner, Clinica Noel. He needs help to raise $868 to fund his procedure and care that will allow him to live more comfortably. Alan's mother says, "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for helping my son. We have been waiting to undergo this procedure for some time. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Jayson is 41 years old and a single father of three from the Philippines. He and his children live with his elderly parents, whom he looks after, too. He works as a food delivery rider and a courier for packages. He enjoys fish-keeping as a hobby and hopes to return to jogging and playing basketball once his condition is treated. For 23 years, Jayson has been living with an inguinal hernia. This causes persistent swelling and pain. The pain and restricted mobility have further impaired his capacity to work efficiently as a delivery rider, a job that requires prolonged sitting, lifting, and continuous movement. Fortunately, on January 9th, Jayson will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Our Lady of Peace Hospital. A portion of the cost of Jayson's treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines, is raising the remaining $1,038 to cover the cost of his surgery and care. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Jayson said, "This surgery will be a big help not only for me but also for my family. I could go back to work and live normally again without pain or fear that I cannot provide for my children."

Faruk is a three-year-old boy from Ethiopia. He enjoys watching cartoon movies, baking cakes and cookies with his mother, and playing with his youngest sister. His mother is a dedicated housewife, and his father earns a living as a street vendor. Faruk was born with hypospadias, a condition that causes urinary dysfunction. Without treatment, he will continue to experience uncomfortable symptoms and will be at risk of future complications. His parents first noticed his condition 14 days after his birth. After visiting a private clinic, they were informed that surgery would be necessary. In search of proper treatment, Faruk’s mother visited various hospitals and clinics. Determined to find a solution, she even sought care at a private hospital, but their financial limitations made this option impossible. The stigma surrounding Faruk’s condition has also affected him socially. This deeply troubled his mother, especially when Faruk would ask why he could not do some things that other kids could. Fortunately, Faruk is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on December 11th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,293 to cover the cost of his procedure and care. Faruk's mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your willingness and support. Your encouragement helped me maintain hope during a challenging time when I was deeply worried about my son's condition. After the doctor explained the procedure, I gained renewed hope and trust that my child's surgery would be safe and successful, with God's guidance."

Nan Lae is a 15-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her parents, her two younger siblings in Karen State, Burma. Her father is a rice farmer, and her mother is a homemaker. She had to stop studying after the fourth grade due to her family’s financial difficulties. The family earns money from harvesting and selling rice, and their income is just enough to cover their daily expenses. In 2023, Lae noticed swelling in her gums. She visited the local clinic with her mother, where the medic removed a mass in her gums. The swelling disappeared, but after a year, the mass returned. Lae continues to experience swelling around her gums and difficulty opening her mouth. She can only chew on her left side because her right side is swollen. Nan Lae sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is now scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on November 12th, and needs help to raise $1,500 to cover the cost of her procedure and care. Lae shared, “I cannot eat; sometimes I have to avoid chewing hard food.” Her mother added, “I want her to recover from this as soon as possible. She has already suffered for two years.”