John is a motorcycle taxi operator from Kenya. He's a 31-year-old man from an area called Zimmerman in Nairobi County and the second born in a family of four. John went to school up through high school, but since his family could not afford to send him to college, he learnt how to ride a motorbike and started hustling in Zimmerman to sustain himself. John told us that he was just planning for his future and to get married when the worst happened. On Saturday Dec. 12th, when a client sent him to carry some luggage, on the way he was hit by a vehicle. He sustained an open fracture of his right femur. Luckily he was brought to Nazareth Hospital and was admitted for care. He is not able to move his leg and the surgeon recommends an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery to heal his fracture. Since John had to borrow funds for his admission fee, he does not have a way to pay for the surgery he needs. He has requested support and is concerned if he is not treated soon he could develop a bone infection which will delay healing and cause him more complications. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On December 15th, John will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The surgery will help him walk easily again. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,049 to fund this procedure. “My family members are not able to support me for this surgery and am afraid to see my bones. I kindly ask for help so that I can be able to walk again, go back to my job, and start planning for my future family,” said John.

Gift is a baby from Tanzania. He was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Gift is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $966 to cover the cost of Gift's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 17. This procedure will hopefully spare Gift from the risks associated with his condition, instead allowing him to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. Gift’s mother says, “Please help my son I have no means of affording his treatment cost.”

Jean Emile is a preschooler from Haiti. He lives with his mother, father, and two brothers in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. He likes listening to music and playing with toy cars. Jean Emile has a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart; blood leaks through the hole without passing through the lungs to get oxygen, leaving him sick and short of breath. Jean Emile will fly to Canada to receive treatment. On June 3, he will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will use a patch to close the hole in his heart. Another organization, The Herbie Fund, is contributing $12,000 to pay for surgery. Jean Emile's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Jean Emile's family overseas. His mother says, "I am happy for this surgery so that I can let my son run and play with the other children."

Nelson is a farmer from Malawi. He has seven children and 22 grandchildren. For one month, Nelson has been experiencing urinary difficulty. These symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. He needs to undergo a prostate resection surgery, a procedure in which surgeons will remove part of the enlarged gland. Our medical partner, World Altering Medicine, is requesting $733 to fund Nelson's surgery. On March 21, he will undergo prostate surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. The requested money pays for supplies, medications, and two weeks of hospital stay. He says, "I believe that I am being helped by God."

Ma Saung is a 13-year-old student from Burma. She lives with her grand-parents and nine-year-old brother in Thanbyuzayat, Mon State. Currently, the tightness of her hamstring tendons make her weak and prevent her from walking properly. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of an Achilles tendon lengthening procedure for Ma Saung, which is scheduled to take place on May 2. This procedure will elongate her Achilles tendon, allowing increased motion at the ankle joint. “I feel depressed when I see other children running and playing,” said Ma Saung. “I really want to walk on my feet.”

Benson is a laborer from Kenya. He is married and has a young child. In January of this year, Benson was in a motorcycle accident. His right leg was broken twice. He is not able to move or walk and is in chronic pain. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On February 12, Benson will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will help him walk again and provide for his family. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,451 to fund this procedure. Benson says, “I am worried I may lose my leg if I am not treated and that means I cannot take care of my young family.”

Dieufnide is a student from Haiti. She lives in Port-au-Prince with her sister, where she is obtaining a business degree at a university. Dieufnide has a cardiac condition called rheumatic mitral and aortic regurgitation. Two of the valves of her heart are damaged as a result of an infection she suffered a number of years ago. As a result, her heart cannot adequately circulate blood through her body, and she is in heart failure. Dieufnide will fly to United States to receive treatment. On November 21, she will undergo cardiac surgery, during which surgeons will replace her two damaged valves with artificial valves.. Another organization, the Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, is contributing $75,000 to pay for surgery. Dieufnide's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. The $1,500 bill covers labs, medicines, and checkup and followup appointments. It also supports passport obtainment and the social workers from our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance, who will accompany Dieufnide's family overseas. She says, "I am excited about surgery so that I can focus on my studies without worrying about my health."

Firomsa is a toddler from Ethiopia. He loves to play and laugh with toys. His parents are traditional farmers. Firomsa was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. He needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Firomsa is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct his condition on November 29. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Firomsa's procedure and care. After his recovery, Firomsa will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. His mother says, “We wanted to pay for his care but we are not able to do it.”

Favour is an infant from Kenya. She is the youngest in a family of four children. Favour was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Favour is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,097 to cover the cost of Favour's spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 29. This procedure will hopefully spare Favour from the risks associated with her condition, instead allowing her to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory. “I look forward to seeing my daughter healthy just like her siblings,” shares Favour’s mother.