Alisse is a three-month-old baby girl from Bolivia. She lives in southwestern Bolivia with her mom and dad, who both work in a small convenience store. Her parents noticed she was not growing properly and frequently became sick, and took her to the local doctor, who discovered a heart murmur; she was then referred to La Paz to see the cardiologists there. Alisse has a cardiac condition called patent ductus arteriosus. A hole exists between two blood vessels next to her heart. This condition prevents Alisse's blood from circulating properly, causing her weakness and leaving her at risk of heart failure if the condition goes untreated. On July 22nd, Alisse 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. Alisse'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. Alisse's father shared, "We just pray our little girl can have a successful surgery; we came from far away seeking help."

Zoe is a seven-year-old student who lives in central Haiti with her parents and younger brother. Her mother supports the family as a vendor. Zoe is in the second grade and likes arts and crafts. Zoe was born with a cardiac condition called ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of her heart, causing blood to leak through the hole without passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen. This leaves her weak and short of breath and puts her at risk of heart failure in the future. Zoe needs to fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On June 24th, she will undergo heart surgery, during which surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in her heart so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is paying for the surgery, but Zoe’s family also needs help with the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Zoe's family overseas. Zoe’s mother shares, “Our family is so happy that Zoe was finally chosen for surgery; we have been waiting since she was a very small child!”

Akai is a four-year-old girl from Kenya. She is the third-born in a family of four children. Akai experiences misalignment of her legs, and due to financial challenges, she has not been able to receive treatment for her condition before. Akai's condition was not noticeable until she began walking. Her mother noticed her legs were bowed, which made it difficult for her to run and play comfortably, and has led to isolation from her peers. Her guardian shared that Akai is supposed to start school soon, but due to the stigmatization she has been facing, it might be difficult for her to do so until she receives treatment. Fortunately, Akai was able to connect with our medical partner's hospital for review and treatment. On May 21st, she will undergo surgery to correct her condition and improve her quality of life. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,224 to cover the cost of Akai's procedure and care. Akai's guardian said, "We will be grateful to see her walking like other children."

Dion is 18 months old and the only child in his family from Bolivia. He lives with his mom, who is studying IT, and his dad, who works as a small entrepreneur. Dion's mother noticed that he has problems gaining weight and frequently gets colds. After a medical consult, Dion was diagnosed with a heart condition called a ventricular septal defect. A hole exists between the two lower chambers of his heart: blood leaks through this hole instead of circulating normally, leaving him weak and short of breath. On April 22nd, Dion will undergo cardiac surgery at our medical partner's care center, Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría. During surgery, surgeons will sew a patch over the hole in his heart so that blood can no longer leak through it.. Dion'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. Dion's mother shared, "We are very grateful my child can receive this lifesaving surgery; we are so thankful."

Altiya is a lively baby girl with boundless curiosity from Ethiopia. She is always exploring and playing with anything she can find around her. Toys and other items captivate her, reflecting her joyful spirit. The name “Altiya” means “happy” in Afan Oromo, and her family was overjoyed when she was born. Altiya lives in a single room with her parents and her paternal grandparents. Her mother is a dedicated housewife, while her father works as a farmer, providing for the family through agricultural activities. Farming sustains both her immediate family and her father’s extended relatives. Altiya was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. When her mother first noticed Altiya’s condition, panic set in, and she struggled to believe that a surgical solution was possible. It took two months, but with the support of their family, her mother eventually decided to seek medical help. After visiting a local hospital, they were referred for further treatment. However, upon learning about the high costs involved, Altiya's mother felt overwhelmed and began to lose hope, unsure of how to proceed. After reaching out to those around her, Altiya's mother learned about Mother Teresa Mission from a neighbor and decided to seek help there. The MOC staff provided invaluable support, helping them travel to Addis Ababa for advanced treatment. They arranged accommodation, meals, and other essential services, and guided them to the Bethany kids center. This collaboration opened doors for Altiya, enabling her to receive the necessary care without the burden of financial stress. Her first surgery was remarkable and successful, restoring hope for the future. With deep gratitude, her mother expresses sincere appreciation for the support they have received and looks forward with hope to the success of the upcoming procedures. Altiya is scheduled to undergo another surgery to correct her condition on March 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Altiya's procedure and care. After her recovery, Altiya will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Altiya's mom said, "I am truly grateful for your incredible support. After this treatment journey, I feel happy knowing that my child will be healthy following the surgery. Please continue to provide your support; it means the world to us."

Rahel is a 17-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her family, who depend on small-scale farming and seasonal labor for their livelihood. Those close to her describe her as patient, respectful, and determined, someone who rarely complains even when things are difficult. Despite these challenges, Rahel has remained motivated about her future. Rahel has grown up carrying a heavy physical burden caused by burn scar contractures affecting her hand. She values education and practical skills and wants to be able to work and support herself. However, the functional limitation in her hand has made schoolwork, vocational tasks, and daily chores slower and more difficult, affecting both her confidence and productivity With limited and unpredictable income, accessing specialized reconstructive care was never financially possible. As a result, Rahel adapted as best as she could, learning to use her hand in alternative ways, avoiding tasks that required strength and flexibility, and quietly pushing through discomfort. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Rahel receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give her a strong chance to regain grip strength and finger mobility, improvements that will directly impact her independence, learning ability, and future employability. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Rahel says, “Because my fingers are tight and cannot open well, I struggle to hold things firmly or write for long. I hope this treatment will help me use my hand normally and work independently.”

Moses is a 27-year-old man from Kenya. He is single and lives with his parents. He earns a living selling second-hand shoes, while his father works as a construction worker. On January 1st, 2026, Moses was involved in a road accident. He was traveling on a motorbike when another motorbike lost control and struck him on the right side, causing injuries to his right arm and right leg. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where first aid was administered, and he was subsequently discharged. Moses later came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further treatment and has since undergone several surgeries to manage injuries to his arm and leg. His recovery has been steady; however, further imaging revealed that his jaw was fractured and requires a mandible ORIF. Since the accident, Moses has been unable to open his mouth and has been on a liquid diet. He is currently in pain and requires surgery, but his insurance coverage has been fully exhausted. The family already has an outstanding hospital bill and has been unable to raise additional funds. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On January 16th, Moses will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. This procedure will enable him to undergo the necessary surgery, begin his recovery, and resume a normal diet. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,115 to fund this procedure. Moses says, “I am in constant pain. My mouth feels stuck, and I haven’t been able to eat properly since the accident.”

Four-year-old Alpha lives with his parents in Kenya. His father earns a living by hawking clothes, while his mother is currently unemployed. In his first few years of life, Alpha experienced delayed developmental milestones, taking longer than expected to sit and to walk. Given these early challenges, his parents hoped that his speech would eventually develop with time. However, Alpha is still unable to speak. After visiting several health facilities, he was diagnosed with hearing loss. Alpha’s parents deeply wish for him to receive hearing aids, knowing that they would allow him to hear, to communicate, and to develop like other children. Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aids is far beyond their means. Alpha is an only child, and his parents' greatest hope is for him to be able to hear and to experience a normal childhood. Alpha was brought to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is here to help. They, along with Alpha’s parents, are now reaching out for your support to help raise the $1,171 necessary to access the hearing aids Alpha needs for him to have a brighter future. Alpha is scheduled to get fitted with hearing aids on December 19th. “I want him to start school next year,” Alpha’s mother shares. “With hearing aids, he would have a better chance to learn alongside other children,” she added.

Apphia is a 26-year-old woman from Kenya. As the firstborn in a family of three children, Apphia has always borne significant responsibility for her younger siblings. Her parents rely on small-scale farming to support the family. In 2019, Apphia noticed that she was beginning to lose her hearing. She does not recall any unusual event leading up to her condition, only that sounds gradually faded away until, one day, she could not hear at all. At the time, Apphia was in her third year in high school. Despite the challenges, she continued attending school, but struggled to follow the lessons and keep up with her classmates, which affected her performance in the final examinations. Still determined, Apphia enrolled into a secretarial studies course. Despite facing significant communication barriers, she completed the short course, but has unfortunately not been able to secure employment due to her challenges in hearing and understanding others. Apphia went to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, in March this year. She was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and hearing aids were recommended. Since then, she has tried raising funds from friends and relatives for her treatment, unsuccessfully. Over time, she has become increasingly withdrawn, avoiding social spaces and preferring to stay alone. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Apphia receive treatment. On November 12th, she will be fitted with hearing aids to improve her hearing, help her find meaningful employment, and build her life with confidence and independence. Now, Apphia needs help to fund this $1,171 treatment. Apphia says: "I feel as though the world keeps moving forward while I remain held back. It's tough when I have to keep asking people to repeat themselves, I now prefer staying at home."