Lewis is a 3-year-old boy from Kenya. He the second born of five children in his family. Just two weeks after Lewis was born, Lewis' mother was bathing him at home when she noted that his testes were not descending. She thought this may happen time, but as days and months went on, this did not change. Two years later, Lewis’ parents took him to a nearby hospital for review. Lewis was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Lewis has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. His family was referred to BethanyKids Hospital for further treatment, but his family waited a little over six months to save enough funds to afford the visit. Upon visiting BethanyKids, the doctors recommend he needs an orchidopexy procedure. Lewis’ parents do not have stable jobs. His father is a construction handyman and his mother owns a small eatery in the neighbourhood. The income from both parents is not enough to feed the family of five children. Both parents are determined to see Lewis treated, but they are not in a position to raise the required amount of money. Lewis and his parents are appealing for financial help. Lewis will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo a corrective surgery called a bilateral orchidopexy on December 28th. AMHF is requesting $569 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Lewis' father shared, "I would really like Lewis to have a family of his own in future, but to do so he must undergo a surgery that is way beyond our capability. As a family, we are requesting for financial help to cater for the surgery.”

Grayson is a baby from Tanzania. Grayson is a six month old baby boy and the firstborn child to his young parents. Both parents finished their college studies last year. Grayson's mother studied business management while the father was a nursing students and he is currently volunteering at a local hospital in their village. Both parents do not current have jobs and are struggling to make ends meet to be able to support their baby. Grayson 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, Grayson has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Grayson will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,300 to cover the cost of surgery for Grayson that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 24 and will drain the excess fluid from Grayson's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Grayson will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Grayson’s mother says, “With no jobs, we are unable to afford our son’s treatment cost. His condition is worsening, please help us.”

Philomena is a baby girl from Kenya. Philomena’s father is a carpenter and her mother, who used to operate a grocery store, is now a homemaker. Together they have five children, three of which are in school. The family has a small income and they have exhausted their savings helping pay for Philomena’s twin sister's heart problems. Philomena underwent a colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but colostomies are usually temporary and may call for closure. In Philomena's case, her colostomy requires closure in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $681 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Philomena. The surgery is scheduled to take place on July 3rd and, once completed, will hopefully allow her to live more comfortably and confidently. Philomena’s mother shared, “I will be very grateful for any financial help offered.”