Wubalem is a 10-month-old baby from Ethiopia. He has one older sister and two brothers. His father works as a daily laborer in construction, while his mother is a homemaker who takes care of the family. Wubalem was born with hydronephrosis, a condition in which urine does not drain properly from the kidney, causing the kidney to become swollen. He requires medical attention and a surgical procedure called pyeloplasty to correct the blockage and improve the flow of urine. This issue was first identified when Wubalem’s mother experienced health complications during her pregnancy. After Wubalem was born, he was referred to a higher-level hospital for further examination and treatment. The medical team monitored his condition for about five months. After several examinations, they confirmed that Baby Wubalem needed surgery and placed him on a waiting list. Those five months were difficult for his mother. She remembers feeling anxious and frustrated as she waited for her baby to receive the treatment he needed. After waiting for five months, Wubalem was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre (BKMCM). Wubalem is scheduled to receive a pyloplasty to help his kidney on August 24th. The procedure costs $922. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is asking for help to fund the cost of the procedure. Wubalem's mother shares, “I am very happy to come to BethanyKids, and I am so grateful for the warm welcome. Thank you so much to everyone. I pray that my baby will be healthy and able to walk and live like other children. I have been through a very difficult time and sacrificed many things for my baby. I waited for many months and spent a lot of money trying to get the care my child needed. I am very thankful that my baby is finally receiving treatment.”

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."

Gedeon is a 23-year-old college student from Haiti. He comes from a coastal city in southwest Haiti and is studying biology and science in the hope of one day becoming a cardiac echocardiographer. When Gedeon was younger, with help from the Watsi community, he underwent life-saving cardiac surgery in Texas to replace his damaged mitral valve. At the time, doctors knew his aortic valve was also damaged, but chose not to replace it due to the risk of the surgery. Now, Gedeon is ready to undergo a second surgery to replace his aortic valve. Gedeon has a cardiac condition called rheumatic aortic regurgitation. The valves of his heart were severely damaged by an infection he suffered in childhood, and now cannot adequately pump blood through his body. On May 21st, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will remove his damaged valve and implant an artificial replacement. Another organization, Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital, is contributing $25,000 to pay for the surgery. Gedeon's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep and follow up. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to support travel, labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. Gedeon said, "I know God made a miracle for me to have my first surgery, and is making another miracle for me now!"

Kena is eight-year-old energetic boy from Ethiopia. Kena is in the second grade and lives with his parents and his sister, but lately, his presence at school has been missed due to recurring bouts of tonsillitis. This chronic condition has temporarily sidelined him, pausing both his education and playtime. Two years ago, Kena began experiencing snoring, fever and recurring sore throats. This creates a difficult cycle of sick days that keeps him out of class and fun, active games he should be playing with his sister. He also experiences high fevers that keep coming back and a sharp, burning pain whenever he tries to swallow. This makes eating and drinking a daily struggle, often leaving him feeling completely exhausted and without energy. Kena was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils, which, if not treated, will cause his symptoms to persist and possibly intensify over time. Thankfully, our medical partner, Saglan Wajee General Hospital can help. They are requesting $700 to fund a tonsillectomy for Kena, which is scheduled to take place on March 4th. Surgeons will remove his tonsils, hopefully relieving Kena of his symptoms and helping him live more comfortably. Kena says "I am so excited for the opportunity to get back to school and play with my friends. I really miss eating the snacks I love! Because of my tonsils, swallowing feels like a sharp fire, which makes eating feel like hard work. I know my mom and dad are worried, and I think the best part for them will be seeing me smile and run around with all my energy again."

Adriana is a seven-year-old girl from Colombia. Approximately one year ago, she was first evaluated by a pediatric dentist, who diagnosed multiple deep dental cavities. Since then, she has been under ongoing observation. However, the progression of the disease has led to inflammation, the presence of pus, and difficulty eating. Although Adriana isn't currently experiencing any pain, her condition significantly impairs her physical and functional development. The management process of Adriana's condition has been complex, and it was ultimately determined that treatment must be performed under general anesthesia due to the number of affected teeth and the patient’s young age. Fortunately, Adriana will receive treatment from our medical partner, Clínica Noel, on April 20th. They are requesting $1,109 to cover the cost of her treatment. This will not only alleviate Adriana's physical pain but will also significantly contribute to restoring her quality of life and overall development. Adriana's mother shares, "As a mother, my greatest hope is that my daughter can improve her quality of life, grow up to be a healthy child, become more independent, and have better opportunities for her future. We are currently seeking support to access the treatment she needs, in the hope of providing her with a fuller, more dignified life and greater opportunities for development. We are fully confident that, with the right help, her treatment will be successful and she will make a full recovery. To everyone who wishes to support us, I want to express my most sincere gratitude. Your help represents immense hope for us and a light on this path. I am convinced that every act of kindness is rewarded and that God blesses those who act with a compassionate heart. My daughter would be immensely happy to receive this help, as it would mean a valuable opportunity to improve her well-being and transform her life."

Nipo is 50 years old and a hairstylist from the Philippines. Through his work, he is able to support his younger sisters. A year ago, Nipo began to experience troubling symptoms, including persistent abdominal pain. He has been diagnosed with gallstones and needs to undergo a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and put her at risk for further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Nipo is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on February 21st. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,031 to cover the cost of Nipo's surgery and care. Nipo shared, "I know the surgery would take away my pain and that my sisters would no longer have to be anxious about my condition. Because of our financial struggles, this treatment would not have been possible. I want to live normally like before."

Mili is a five-month old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives with her mother, who is a homemaker; her father, who is a truck driver; and two older siblings in a neighborhood of La Paz. When Mili was born prematurely, doctors informed her family that she had Down syndrome and a heart condition. Since then, Mili has had difficulty breathing and gaining weight, and needs this surgery to become healthy. Mili has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to the heart. This condition prevents Mili's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness, and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition is not treated. On January 13th, Mili will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew the hole closed so that blood can no longer leak through it. Mili's family needs help to fund the costs of cardiac care and surgery. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, requests $1,500 to cover the cost of cardiac exams and diagnostics, surgical costs, follow-up care, and medications. Her mother says: "I trust my child will have a successful surgery. I'm grateful for the kindness that people at the hospital have shown me; the doctors and nurses and everybody here are very nice to me and my daughter!"

Alex is a 29-year-old single man from Kenya. He is an orphan and lives with his grandmother. HIs mother passed away when he and his twin brother were seven years old. He completed his education up to secondary level, but his grandmother was unable to support him to continue to college. Currently, Alex works as a conductor to earn a living. He enjoys playing football, and this accident has left him feeling devastated. Three days ago, while on his way to work, Alex was accidentally hit by a motorbike and sustained an injury to his left leg. He was taken to our medical partner's care center, Nazareth Hospital, where an X-ray revealed a double fracture of the left tibia. He needs surgery to ensure proper healing. On December 16th, Alex will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This treatment will restore his strength and mobility on his leg, and will allow him to play football again, which he deeply loves. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,048 to fund this procedure. Alex shared, "I am very disappointed because I will be out of the field. I hope my leg will be treated and I get well soon. I can't wait to go back to what I love to do most; play football."

Janaika is a 33-year-old woman from the Philippines. Her partner is a motorcycle delivery driver. When opportunities arise, he also takes on construction jobs to supplement his income. Five years ago, Janaika was diagnosed with mixed hemorrhoids. She continues to experience discomfort, pain, and bleeding. She finds it difficult to move in and out of bed. Janaika needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Janaika receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a hemorrhoidectomy on November 8th. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is covering a portion of the cost of her treatment, and WSFP is raising the remaining $1,257 to cover Janaika's procedure and care. Janaika says, "I am very grateful because you are giving others like me a chance to have surgery who cannot afford it due to the high cost. Thank you for being a bridge that allows us to create a better future —one that will allow me to work again and improve myself."