Roy is a five-month-old baby boy from Kenya. He is the youngest in a family of five children. Roy’s mother works odd jobs to support the family. Roy has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Roy has been experiencing an increasing head circumference, restlessness, and distress. Without treatment, Roy will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to cover the cost of surgery for Roy that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 8 and will drain the excess fluid from Roy's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Roy will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “I hope my son gets treatment,” shares Roy’s mother.

Thomas is a farmer from Kenya. He is married and a father of three. Thomas plants maize and beans in order to earn a living and support his children through school. A week ago, Thomas was walking along a terrace while carrying a bag of maize when he slipped and fell. He sustained a leg fracture and an injury to his face. He is experiencing a lot of pain and has been using crutches to walk. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On November 27, Thomas will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation. The treatment will enable his leg to heal well. He will be able to walk easily again and continue farming. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $771 to fund this procedure. Thomas says, "My hope in life is to see that my children get a good education so that they will have a better future."

Hassan is a baby from Kenya. He is a quiet boy and is very attached to his mother. Hassan’s mother is a house helper. Hassan was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Hassan has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. “I feel for my son,” shares Hassan’s mother. Hassan will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on November 15. AMHF is requesting $535 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care.

Jose is a one-year-old baby who loves to play and babble with others. His mother passed away from tuberculosis, so he lives with his aunts. Jose is experiencing symptoms of malnutrition. He has little energy, and he gets sick more often than other children. He is at an increased risk for stunted growth, low IQ, and chronic disease. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also highly treatable. On January 12, Jose will begin treatment for his condition. He will undergo growth monitoring and nutrient supplementation. Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is asking for $437 to fund this treatment. "We want to thank you for the support for my nephew to grow well," says Jose's aunt. "We want to see him grow healthy and, when he is big, be a person who studies and overcomes obstacles in life."

"11-year-old Veronicah was born at home with a cystic mass on her back. To her mother it never occurred to be anything of concern. When Veronica, the third born in a family of four children, attained the age of four years, she walked with a little limp that caught the attention of many around her," says our medical partner in Kenya, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "Friends advised her parents to seek for specialized treatment which they did, and later on advised to get a scan for her back. It took years but Veronica’s parents’ still could not raise the entire amount needed for the scan," AMHF continues. "Lucky enough, they were allowed a scan with the little they had raised from a hospital near their home. The scan was revealed that they would require more finances for Veronicah to have a surgery." The mass is a condition called spina bifida, and Veronicah is at a risk of getting infections on her exposed nerves. She is also at a risk of lower limbs paralysis. For $805, Veronicah will receive a spina bifida closure procedure. "Veronicah’s treatment will keep her from the risk of infections, and further loss of muscle function on her legs," AMHF says. “Lack of knowledge and finances is a terrible thing. I am afraid that my daughter will become disabled- that thought alone scares me but I am hopeful that she will be well,” says Veronicah’s mother. “Some schoolmates mimic my walking, but I know I will walk well one day," Veronicah adds.

At seven years old, Jane is absolutely adorable. Despite the bright smile shining out from under her hat, that hat is hiding a serious medical issue. When Jane was just eight months old, she fell into an open fire and sustained serious burns on her scalp. For years, Jane has covered her head to conceal her still-painful and damaged skin. Jane's mother says that all she wants is for her daughter to be healthy again. Jane needs a $1,500 surgery to treat infection-prone areas on her skin and reconstruct her burned scalp. We can help Jane get the medical care she needs to live the happy, carefree life every seven-year-old deserves.