Renier is a two-week-old baby from Kenya. His father works as a teacher, earning just enough to cover the family's basic needs, while his mother is a homemaker. When Renier's mother was pregnant with him, a scan in the third trimester diagnosed Renier with both hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure, while spina bifida is a neural tube defect where the spine and spinal canal do not close completely. When she received the news, Catherine was very worried and her mind spiraled with questions—What will my baby be like? Will he be okay? How will we cope? She questioned God often, and at one point felt herself slowly slipping into depression as the weight of uncertainty grew heavier each day. Upon delivery, Renier was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH), where he is scheduled for ETV surgery. Reiner's mother shared that the condition has not affected Renier that much yet, but she worries deeply about what might happen if left untreated, including severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Renier. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 9th to drain the excess fluid from Renier's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Renier will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Reiner's mother shared: "As a mother, all I want is for my baby to have a chance at a healthy life. Even though he seems okay now, I live with the fear of what could happen if we don’t get him the treatment he needs. It breaks my heart knowing we want to help him, but we just can’t afford it."

Zakeyu is a sweet and quiet three-year-old boy from a village in Lilongwe district in Malawi, living with his single mother and three siblings. His mother works tirelessly every day, doing casual farm labor and household chores like laundry washing to provide for her children. Every weekday, she ensures Zakeyu attends nursery school, hoping to give him a better future despite the struggles they face. While bathing Zakeyu a month ago, his mother noticed a lump around his groin area. She also noticed that he was crying more than usual within the month. She decided to seek medical help and after examination, Zakeyu was diagnosed with a right inguinal hernia. The doctors recommended surgery to fix the condition, explaining that untreated hernias could lead to serious complications such as strangulation of the intestine, which can be life-threatening. However, his mother does not have the means to afford the surgery. All she had in her purse was MK5,000 (approximately $5), a far cry from the cost of the procedure. Despite her hard work, she is struggling to provide for her family, and the surgery remains out of reach. Zakeyu is still young, and the surgery will make a significant difference in his health and well-being. Without it, his condition could worsen, causing more pain and potentially severe complications. With treatment, he will have a chance to live a healthier, happier life, free from the risks of an untreated hernia. Zakeyu and his mother need your support to bring them one step closer to getting the medical care he urgently needs. Fortunately, on January 21st, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at Nkhoma Hospital, our medical partner's care center. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $421 to fund Zakeyu's hernia repair surgery. Zakeyu's mother said, "I am so grateful for the chance to get help for my son. This surgery gives me hope that he will grow up healthy and strong, free from the pain he’s been experiencing. I have always worked hard for my children and knowing he will get the care he needs is a huge relief. With this support, I believe his future will be brighter."

Ly Heng wants to be able to write in school and play sports with his friends. He is a 7-year-old first-grader from Cambodia who lives in Prey Veng province with his parents, who work as rice farmers. Ly Heng loves soccer, cartoons, and Cambodian-style pork fried rice. At around age 4, his parents noticed that he was unable to grip objects, which has gotten progressively worse over time. He is unable to lift his arm and has limited hand function. He feels embarrassed at school and is unable to do everyday tasks. Ly Heng's family traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. This is the only center in the country where this speciality treatment is available. On November 1, he will undergo surgery. After recovery, he'll be able to use his arm and hand. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Center, requests $709 to fund this procedure.

Regina is a 13-year-old girl from Kenya. She is the secondborn in a family of three children. Her parents separated a few years back, and she and all of her siblings currently live with their mother in their ancestral home. Regina’s mother practices small-scale farming to provide food for their family. Her mother shares that she previously ran a small kiosk in their hometown where she sold fruits, but she has been unable to sustain the business since Regina fell sick in June. They currently rely on Regina’s grandmother to help support them. Regina has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Regina has been experiencing fevers and severe headaches. Although she and her family have been to different hospitals seeking treatment, they have not seen much change in her condition. Fortunately, they were referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, where she will undergo surgery to treat her hydrocephalus. Without treatment, Regina would experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Regina. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 17th and will drain the excess fluid from Regina's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Regina will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Regina’s mother says, “I am not happy that my child is in this condition. I want her to get well and bring back my happiness.”