Patrick is a child from Tanzania. He is two years old and the fourth in a family of five children. Patrick parents are farmers. Patrick has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Without treatment, Patrick will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,238 to cover the cost of surgery for Patrick that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 5 and will drain the excess fluid from Patrick's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Patrick will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Patrick’s aunt says, “Please help my nephew get better."

Meet Santiago, a one-month-old son of two loving parents in Guatemala. "Santiago is the light of his parents' life," says our medical partners at Wuqu' Kawoq (WK). One month ago when Santiago was born, his mother was bedridden due to complications during birth. During this time, Santiago's mother experienced lactation failure and could not produce any breast milk. "Santiago went three days without consuming anything other than water," says WK. Unable to afford infant formula, Santiago's family did what they could to try and help his mother produce breast milk. "She visited local traditional healers and midwives, and took various herbal remedies to boost her breast milk. Although these remedies helped her produce some milk, it was far below what Santiago needs to grow, " explains WK. Without access to nutritious maternal milk, Santiago is at risk of dehydration and starvation, which will quickly begin to impact his development. If he does not receive enough calories, he may not survive his first months of life. "I am just so afraid that my son is going to die from starvation," says Santiago's mother, "I know we need help--without it he can't grow." $1,220 covers the cost of a 12-month program that will provide Santiago with infant formula to supplement his mother's breast milk in order to replenish his calories and nutrition. This funding will also provide his mother with intensive counseling on how to properly prepare and mix infant formula, as well has one-on-one health education to prepare her for transitioning Santiago's diet to solid food and watching out for other signs of illness.